DC Studios finally appeared to have a clear path forward after years of disappointing releases, canceled projects, and major creative changes. But the people responsible for its latest comeback are now preparing to hand over control.
James Gunn and Peter Safran, who spent four years rebuilding DC’s superhero franchise, are leaving their executive positions as another former Marvel Studios figure prepares to take charge.
The decision raises questions about what will happen to Gunn’s unfinished plans, particularly as several major movies are already moving forward.
Although DC hasn’t announced another reboot, fans have reason to wonder whether the studio could change direction again.
James Gunn and Peter Safran Are Out at DC Studios
DC Studios will welcome new leadership on December 1, 2026, when Jeremy Latcham officially replaces Gunn and Safran.
The announcement follows Skydance’s acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which placed DC under different corporate leadership.
Latcham will become the studio’s president and chief creative officer, bringing years of experience working on Marvel’s biggest movies.
He joined Marvel in 2004, worked closely with Kevin Feige, and eventually became senior vice president of production and development.
His credits include Iron Man (2008), The Avengers (2012), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017).
Interestingly, Latcham already knows Gunn professionally. The two previously worked together on Guardians of the Galaxy.
Gunn and Safran will remain involved with DC creative projects, although they will no longer oversee the studio.
DC’s Latest Superhero Universe Faces Uncertainty
When Gunn and Safran assumed leadership in 2022, they inherited a franchise struggling to establish a consistent identity.
Their solution involved creating a connected universe featuring familiar superheroes alongside characters who rarely received major theatrical attention.
The strategy produced its first major theatrical success with Superman (2025).
Starring David Corenswet, the movie introduced a new version of Superman and established the foundation for Gunn’s larger plans.
However, not every release performed as expected.
Supergirl (2026) struggled financially, earning approximately $126 million worldwide.
Clayface (2026), meanwhile, received strong reviews and surpassed $100 million globally, offering a more promising result for DC’s smaller superhero productions.
Television projects such as Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, and Lanterns also helped develop the expanding universe.
Now, Gunn’s departure leaves the future of that connected storytelling approach uncertain.
Why Are James Gunn and Peter Safran Leaving?
Perhaps the biggest mystery surrounding the announcement involves who actually made the decision.
Initially, fans questioned whether Gunn and Safran voluntarily stepped away or whether Skydance wanted different leadership.
Later reporting suggested Skydance executives had considered replacing them before the Warner Bros. acquisition was finalized.
That development appears surprising considering earlier indications that the company’s leadership supported Gunn’s creative plans.
Skydance CEO David Ellison reportedly visited the set of Man of Tomorrow (2027), while Gunn and Safran recently presented their long-term vision.
Gunn has since spoken publicly about leaving, acknowledging the difficulties of managing DC Studios and expressing relief about focusing on filmmaking again.
He also confirmed that he is writing another DC project involving Safran, although its future remains uncertain.
Neither executive has publicly confirmed that they were forced out, and Skydance hasn’t explained who initiated the departures.
Could DC Studios Start Over Again?
Another leadership change naturally raises concerns about DC’s future.
Latcham helped develop Marvel’s interconnected superhero franchise, potentially giving him a different perspective on how DC should approach its movies.
He could maintain Gunn’s existing plans while introducing new creative priorities.
Alternatively, DC might reconsider certain projects, change release strategies, or focus more heavily on different characters.
A complete cinematic reboot could eventually become an option, potentially involving recasting or abandoning established storylines.
However, none of those possibilities has been announced.
Gunn has indicated that characters introduced during his tenure will continue, suggesting the studio may preserve at least part of his universe.
For now, another reboot remains speculation.
Major DC Movies Are Still Moving Forward
Despite the shakeup, DC has several important projects in development.
Gunn’s Man of Tomorrow (2027) is already in post-production and will continue the story introduced in Superman (2025).
The upcoming movie features Superman and Lex Luthor, although rumors that Wonder Woman will appear remain unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, The Batman Part II (2028) continues Matt Reeves’ separate Batman universe with Robert Pattinson returning.
The sequel remains in production, and Gunn and Safran are still attached as producers.
These releases could provide stability while Latcham settles into his new position.
Still, after years of changing plans and creative leadership, DC fans may remain skeptical until the studio demonstrates that its latest superhero universe has a lasting future.
