Skydance Installs New DC Studios Chief as Gunn and Safran Exit in December
The former Marvel executive takes over after four years of leadership that produced three films and three series.
By Nikolai Morales ·
James Gunn and Peter Safran will leave their positions as co-CEOs of DC Studios on December 1. Skydance, the company that acquired Warner Bros. Discovery, is installing former Marvel executive Jeremy Latcham in their place. The change ends a four-year tenure during which the duo attempted to rebuild the studio’s film and television slate.
Gunn and Safran took control of the studio in 2022 following a major corporate acquisition. Their first four years produced three theatrical releases: Superman, Supergirl, and Clayface. The studio also completed three live-action series: The Penguin, Peacemaker season 2, and Lanterns. Both executives stated that a decade’s worth of projects were in development when they assumed their roles.
David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Skydance, and Ynon Kreiz, Co-CEO, issued a joint statement regarding the transition. They described the past four years as a period of real transformation. The statement noted that the new leadership will build the next generation of DC storytelling. It also expressed confidence that Gunn and Safran would ensure a smooth and collaborative handover.
In an Instagram post, Gunn described the experience as a dream come true. He said he initially hesitated to accept the offer but could not pass up the unique opportunity. Gunn called the process of making Man of Tomorrow the best filmmaking experience of his life. He also acknowledged the corporate nature of the job, noting that it was trying. He thanked Safran for taking the brunt of the corporate demands.
Reactions to the announcement varied across social media. Some fans viewed the departure as a forced exit following the merger. One user on X wrote that the duo got removed immediately after the Paramount merger. Others expressed disappointment that Gunn was leaving despite the reception of his first film. A different group of supporters, primarily fans of the Snyderverse, celebrated the change in leadership as a victory.
Gunn and Safran will remain attached to several ongoing projects. It is unclear if Gunn will continue to direct future films. Latcham, who has worked with both outgoing executives as a creative partner, will lead the studio forward. The new head of DC Studios will determine the future direction of the franchise and its relationship with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
