James Gunn and Peter Safran’s departure from DC Studios marks another major change for the superhero franchise following Skydance’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The duo, who spent four years rebuilding DC’s film and television slate, will leave their leadership positions on December 1, 2026, with former Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham appointed as their successor.
The decision followed months of internal tensions involving DC’s leadership and Skydance’s motion picture executives. Although Gunn and Safran reportedly expected to continue under the new ownership, disagreements over reporting structures, creative authority, and financial performance complicated their position.
The transition is particularly significant because Gunn was reportedly developing plans for a third Superman film after completing Man of Tomorrow. His departure from the executive role raises questions about how much of the creative direction established under the previous leadership will survive.
However, Gunn and Safran are not immediately leaving the DC universe. Both will continue working on selected projects while returning to their primary roles as filmmakers and producers.
Why Skydance Replaced James Gunn and Peter Safran at DC Studios
Tensions developed between Gunn and Safran and Skydance Motion Picture Group co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein.
Before the acquisition, Gunn and Safran reported directly to Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav. Their existing contractual arrangements reportedly allowed them to maintain that structure following a leadership change.
However, Skydance wanted greater centralized control over film production. Goldberg and Greenstein sought to oversee the company’s movie divisions, while Gunn and Safran were accustomed to controlling DC’s films, television projects, and animation.
Sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter alleged that DC’s leadership was slow to share production plans, footage, and details about its upcoming slate with the new management.
The financial performance of DC’s recent releases reportedly added another complication. Although Gunn’s Superman earned approximately $618 million worldwide, Skydance reportedly expected a stronger commercial and cultural impact. Supergirl also faced disappointing box-office results.
Jeremy Latcham’s Marvel Background Makes Him an Unexpected Choice for DC
Skydance has appointed Jeremy Latcham as DC Studios’ new president and chief creative officer, with his tenure beginning December 1, 2026. He will oversee the company’s film, television, and animation slate, reporting to Goldberg and Greenstein.
According to Skydance’s official announcement, Latcham previously worked at Marvel Studios, where he became a senior vice president of production and development. He was involved in establishing the Marvel Cinematic Universe and contributed to major productions, including Iron Man, The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
His connection with Gunn makes the appointment particularly interesting. Latcham reportedly advocated for Gunn to direct the original Guardians of the Galaxy, helping launch the filmmaker’s career as a major Hollywood director.
However, Latcham’s recent career has taken a different direction. He worked with Wonder Project, a faith-focused entertainment company, developing projects including Flyer and the biblical drama House of David.
In an appearance on the Bible Bros podcast, Latcham explained his interest in producing more meaningful entertainment:
“Let’s be the HBO for the faith and family audience.”
His appointment could indicate a different approach to DC’s creative direction, although Skydance has not announced specific changes to its upcoming projects.
James Gunn’s Return to Filmmaking Could Keep Him Connected to DC
Gunn addressed his departure through an Instagram statement on November 9, describing his four years as DC Studios co-head as challenging because of the corporate responsibilities.
He praised Safran as an exceptional partner and thanked the studio’s employees, collaborators, actors, and fans. Gunn also expressed relief about returning to directing and writing.
“I will miss the people around me, and I will miss being the co-caretaker of these great characters, but I’m also incredibly relieved and excited to get back to pure filmmaking,”
he wrote.
Importantly, Gunn confirmed that he and Safran are not immediately finished with DC. He revealed that they are working on another project that he is writing, although its identity remains undisclosed.
He also reassured fans that the characters established during their leadership would continue beyond their executive departure.
What Happens to Man of Tomorrow and Other DC Projects?
One of the biggest questions surrounding the leadership change is the future of the projects already developed under Gunn and Safran.
Man of Tomorrow, Gunn’s sequel to Superman, is currently in post-production and scheduled to arrive in theaters on July 9, 2027. The film will continue the story of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor, with Gunn directing and Safran serving as producer.
Meanwhile, The Batman Part II, starring Robert Pattinson, is also in production. Gunn and Safran remain attached as producers, despite their departure from the studio’s executive positions.
On television, The People v. Gorilla Grodd, an eight-episode HBO Max series starring Skyler Gisondo and Jimmy Tatro, has completed filming and is expected in 2027.
These projects demonstrate that the transition will not immediately erase Gunn and Safran’s influence over DC’s upcoming releases.
However, the longer-term direction of the franchise will now depend on Latcham and the new Skydance leadership. Whether DC continues Gunn’s interconnected storytelling approach or moves toward a different creative strategy remains to be seen.