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

A major twist of events has occurred across both Hollywood and the comic book world, with James Gunn and Peter Safran stepping down as co-CEOs of the DC Studios. It has come to light that Skydance has now appointed former Marvel executive Jeremy Latcham to take on the role of president and chief creative officer of the DC Studios.

James Gunn and his partner Peter Safran have been majorly influential in turning the tide of DC’s fate in this long-lasting battle against the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe). Originally known for his ability to craft some compelling dark-comedy sketches like Slither (2000) and (Super) 2010, he quickly took over an ambitious project in the MCU, leading the trilogy of Guardians of the Galaxy, which were all critically and commercially successful at the box office.

In 2021, he made a standalone film for the DCU, Suicide Squad, before eventually being hired to lead the newly forming DCU alongside Peter Safran in 2022. He balanced completing Guardians of the Galaxy (2023) while also writing scripts like Superman (2025). Cut forward to now, and it is heartbreaking to learn that James Gunn and Peter Safran have officially stepped down.

Taking to his Instagram, he shared his experience of being part of one of the greatest franchises the world has seen, among other things. He said, “Thanks to all of you who have supported me and Peter in our time as the heads of DC Studios… Having full access to these characters to do whatever we wanted has been a dream come true… I’m glad I took the job.”

He continued, “There have been so many highs along the way – releasing Superman and Clayface, making Peacemaker, reading the scripts to The People Vs, the entire process of Man of Tomorrow, which thus far has been the best filmmaking experience of my life, and numerous other moments.”

He mentioned just how crucial a part Peter Safran played in this entire journey. “The best part of all has been working with Peter Safran, the smartest and most competent person I know. You’ve been the best partner a person could ask for, and, more so, a truly good friend.”

He added to it, talking about how leading such a big franchise came with a creative cost. “I dislike the at-times corporate nature of the job (thanks to Peter for taking the brunt of that)… The thing my ADHD hyperfocus has had the most difficulty with has been dividing my time between projects I’m incredibly passionate about and the ones I’m not so much and all the things I have to do as a studio head.

Lastly, he spoke on how he would finally be able to focus on his true love for filmmaking over other things. “I’m also incredibly relieved and excited to get back to pure filmmaking. That’s not to say Peter and I are immediately done with DC or superheroes. We have Man of Tomorrow out this summer. And we’ve just been engaged on another DC project which I’m writing, and we’ll see where it goes after that.”

The DC Studios was shaping up well with consecutive ambitious releases like the Penguin series, the recent Clayface, and Man of Tomorrow to release next year. Only time will tell if the new decision will be the step toward the right future or a disastrous collapse.