James Gunn, Peter Safran Step Down as DC Studios Chiefs; Jeremy Latcham Takes Over

James Gunn and Peter Safran will step down as co-CEOs of DC Studios on December 1, 2026, ending a four-year run that reshaped the DC cinematic universe. Former Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham will take over, the Hollywood Reporter and Deadline reported.

The leadership change follows the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger and arrives after the studio’s latest release, Supergirl, bombed at the box office. Gunn, who joined Safran in 2022 to rebuild DC’s film slate, later admitted he was initially unsure about taking the top job. Speaking to SuperHeroHype, he explained the challenges behind accepting the leadership role and said he “didn’t know” what he was signing up for, revealing it took considerable persuasion before he agreed to the position.

Resignation effective December 1, 2026

The transition date is firm. Gunn and Safran will resign as co-CEOs and chairmen on December 1, 2026, per the Economic Times. Latcham, a veteran of Marvel Studios who has worked across its biggest franchises, will step in to lead DC Studios, marking a rare crossover of talent from the rival superhero universe.

The exit was described as a surprise executive shake-up at Skydance, the production company behind the studio, with neither man expected to leave so soon. The pair had run DC Studios since late 2022, when they were brought in to dismantle the old DC extended universe and launch a new shared continuity.

The Superman era and Supergirl’s stumble

Gunn and Safran’s tenure produced one clear highlight: David Corenswet’s Superman, released in 2025 to strong commercial and critical success. The film anchored the new DCU and gave the studio its biggest win under the duo’s leadership, validating their risky decision to recast the hero and start fresh after years of uneven DC movies. The film’s success suggested the blueprint was working, which made what followed all the more jarring.

But the run ended on a sour note. Supergirl, the final DCU film overseen by Gunn and Safran before their exit, bombed at the box office. People reported that the ouster was tied to the film’s disappointing performance, making it the decisive factor in the shake-up.

Gunn himself seemed ready to move on. Following the announcement, he told ComingSoon.net that his wife, actress Jennifer Holland, would be “the happiest person” about his departure.

Gunn ‘incredibly relieved’ to step back

Gunn has been candid about the toll the executive role took on him. He told the Hollywood Reporter he felt “incredibly relieved” to leave DC Studios, and admitted the job wasn’t the right fit for someone whose strengths lie in writing and directing. He’s now planning to return to filmmaking full time, a prospect fans have largely welcomed given his track record as a director.

There’s some comfort for those worried about the DCU’s future. Gunn has confirmed he is writing at least one more DC project after stepping down, a reveal that excited fans who’ve enjoyed his vision for the new continuity. The announcement suggests his creative involvement in the DCU may not fully end with his CEO exit.

What happens to the DCU?

The biggest open question is whether the DCU will face another reboot under Latcham. Gunn addressed this directly, offering a clear hint that no reboot is planned. He indicated the continuity he and Safran built will continue, even as stewardship changes hands.

Still, the transition leaves DC’s television slate in uncertainty. Yahoo asked whether Gunn’s exit will leave DC shows in limbo, with shows developed under his and Safran’s watch facing an unclear future until Latcham settles into the job. The studio hasn’t announced changes to its release calendar either, and beyond December 1, 2026, nothing is certain.

About The Author

Ananya Suresh

Ananya Suresh writes about movies, OTT releases, television, entertainment, celebrities and popular culture. She follows emerging trends and brings together the latest stories and developments from the entertainment world.

See author's posts