James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down from DC Studios after four years leading the film, television and animation division, in a major change for the company’s new DC Universe.
Former Marvel executive Jeremy Latcham has been named the studio’s new president and chief creative officer, according to an announcement made Monday, November 9, 2026.
The leadership change places Latcham in charge of the creative direction of one of Hollywood’s most closely watched superhero franchises as DC Studios continues building a shared slate across movies, television, animation and other platforms.
Table of Contents
James Gunn and Peter Safran leave DC Studios leadership
James Gunn and Safran were appointed to lead DC Studios in 2022, when Warner Bros.
Discovery created the division to bring greater coordination to DC projects.
Gunn was responsible primarily for the creative side of the operation, while Safran brought extensive producing and business experience to the partnership.
The pair’s tenure included the launch of the new DC Universe with Superman, directed and written by Gunn, as well as projects including Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, Lanterns and Clayface.
The announcement comes shortly after Paramount completed its acquisition of Warner Bros.
Discovery and formed the combined Skydance company, adding a new layer of corporate oversight around DC Studios.
Skydance had previously identified Gunn and Safran as the leaders of DC Studios following the transaction, making Monday’s announcement a significant reversal from the structure outlined after the merger.
Who is Jeremy Latcham?
Latcham is a veteran film executive and producer whose credits include work on several early Marvel Studios productions.
His producing credits include Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Avengers and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
He also worked with Gunn on the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise.
After leaving Marvel, Latcham produced films including Bad Times at the El Royale and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.
His appointment gives DC Studios a leader with experience working inside a connected superhero film universe, although the scale and structure of DC’s current slate will present a different set of creative and commercial challenges.
What happens to the DC Universe next?
The immediate question is how the leadership change will affect projects already in development or production.
Gunn has been closely associated with Man of Tomorrow, the planned follow-up to Superman, while Safran has been involved in the broader production strategy for DC’s film and television slate.
Monday’s announcement does not by itself indicate that existing projects have been cancelled or delayed.
It does, however, give Latcham the opportunity to reassess the studio’s priorities, release plans and approach to continuity as DC moves into its next phase.
The change also comes as DC Studios attempts to balance interconnected storytelling with a growing number of projects that operate across different formats and creative teams.
That balance was central to Gunn and Safran’s original mandate: create a more unified DC brand without requiring every story to function as a direct crossover.
A new chapter after the Gunn-Safran era
Gunn and Safran’s leadership marked a reset for DC after years of uneven performance and shifting plans under earlier studio structures.
Their strategy placed Superman at the centre of a new continuity while allowing selected television and animated projects to expand the universe beyond theatrical releases.
Latcham now inherits that framework, along with the expectations attached to the DC brand’s largest characters, including Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and the broader Justice League mythology.
Further details about Latcham’s mandate, the timing of the transition and the status of individual DC projects are expected to clarify how much of the existing plan will remain unchanged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is James Gunn leaving DC Studios?
DC Studios announced a leadership change on November 9, 2026, with Gunn and Peter Safran stepping down from their roles after four years leading the division.
Who is replacing James Gunn and Peter Safran at DC Studios?
Former Marvel executive and producer Jeremy Latcham has been named DC Studios’ president and chief creative officer.
What movies and shows did James Gunn and Peter Safran oversee?
Their tenure included Superman, Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, Lanterns and Clayface, along with other projects in development.
Will Man of Tomorrow still be released?
The leadership announcement does not state that Man of Tomorrow has been cancelled. Further details about the film’s status are expected from the studio.
What does Jeremy Latcham’s appointment mean for the DC Universe?
Latcham will oversee the studio’s creative direction, but the full effect on DC’s existing film, television and animation plans has not yet been detailed.
Fact-Checked: Key leadership, company and project details were checked against current Skydance and DC Studios information, along with corroborating reports published on November 9, 2026.
Disclaimer: Project schedules and leadership responsibilities may change as DC Studios provides additional details about the transition.