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DC Studios shakeup: James Gunn and Peter Safran exit as Marvel veteran Jeremy Latcham takes over
James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down as co-chief executives of DC Studios after four years, with Marvel veteran Jeremy Latcham taking over as president and chief creative officer. The change, effective 1 December, follows the Skydance-Paramount merger and marks a shift in leadership for the studio’s next phase.
Gunn and Safran’s projects will continue to reach audiences during the transition: Gunn is completing *Man of Tomorrow*, and *The Batman Part II* is also among upcoming releases. Their tenure included *Superman*, which grossed US$618.7 million worldwide, and *Clayface*, which has taken US$109 million so far; *Supergirl* was a setback. Gunn and Safran said they want to return to writing and directing.
In short
- Gunn and Safran are leaving DC Studios after four years.
- Jeremy Latcham will lead the studio from 1 December.
- Their projects will continue through the transition.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A leadership change could give DC Studios fresh direction and clearer accountability as it enters a new phase under its new ownership. Jeremy Latcham’s experience on major Marvel films may help the studio build reliable production processes and develop a coherent slate, while Gunn and Safran can return to the creative work they say they want to pursue.
The case against
Gunn and Safran brought a recognisable creative direction to DC Studios, and replacing them risks disrupting plans and weakening the continuity they established with audiences and creative partners. Their record includes major releases as well as setbacks, but changing leadership during an ongoing slate could add uncertainty before the new team has shown it can deliver a stronger long-term strategy.
Explained simply
DC Studios makes films and television based on characters from DC Comics, including Superman, Batman and Supergirl. It is part of the wider Warner Bros. entertainment business, whose ownership and leadership have been affected by changes in the media industry.
James Gunn is a filmmaker who has directed superhero films, while Peter Safran is a producer; together they have led DC Studios since it was reorganised in 2022. Jeremy Latcham has worked on Marvel films, including as a producer, and is due to lead the studio’s creative work.
The leadership change matters because DC Studios oversees how its characters and stories are developed for audiences. Its films compete for viewers with other superhero franchises, including Marvel’s, and decisions made by studio leaders can shape which projects are made and how they fit together.