Skydance Motion Picture Group announced that James Gunn and Peter Safran have stepped down after four years as co-heads of DC Studios. This change comes following the acquisition of Warner Bros by Skydance and will soon lead to a new era for this superhero franchise.
Introduction of the New Head
David Ellison, President and CEO of Skydance, has appointed Jeremy Latchman, former head of Marvel Studios, as the new head of DC Studios. Latchman will begin his role as President and Creative Lead of DC Studios on December 1. He will be responsible for steering the next phase of DC's film and television business, which includes iconic characters such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman.
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Challenges Ahead for DC
Gunn and Safran were appointed as heads of DC Studios in 2022 and were tasked with revitalizing the franchise and creating a cohesive cinematic universe. Their first film, "Superman," grossed nearly $619 million worldwide in 2025. However, their second film, "Supergirl," faced failure in June 2026, earning only $126 million.
Overall, DC has faced challenges in competing with the massive profits and cultural impact that Marvel achieved in the early years of its cinematic universe. Ellison stated, "James and Peter ushered in a new era for DC Studios and led it through a time of real change, rebuilding a foundation that we are proud of."
Although Gunn and Safran will no longer oversee the long-term plans for DC Studios, several projects developed under their leadership are currently in production. Gunn is currently completing "Man of Tomorrow," a sequel to "Superman." Other projects in development include "Batman: Part Two" and the television series "People vs. Gorilla Grodd."
The film "Superman" sparked political controversy in 2025 when the director described the character as an immigrant and emphasized humanitarian themes. Conservative critiques labeled the film as "woke." David Ellison has had a close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump and has denied the existence of such connections. There is no evidence to suggest that the controversy surrounding "Superman" influenced the departure of Gunn and Safran.
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