DC Studios spent the past four years trying to move beyond its troubled superhero history. Now, the two executives responsible for rebuilding the franchise are preparing to step down from their leadership positions.
The unexpected shakeup comes as several major DC movies move forward, raising concerns about whether the studio could abandon its latest cinematic universe.
A former Marvel Studios executive will soon take control, but his plans for DC remain unclear.
With another leadership change approaching, fans are wondering whether the franchise could face another reboot.
DC Studios Confirms Major Leadership Shakeup
James Gunn and Peter Safran are leaving their positions as DC Studios' co-CEOs, with Jeremy Latcham taking over on December 1, 2026.
The announcement follows Skydance's acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which brought DC under new ownership.
Latcham will serve as president and chief creative officer, replacing the leadership team responsible for DC's latest creative overhaul.
He brings considerable Marvel experience. After joining Marvel in 2004, Latcham worked alongside Kevin Feige and eventually became senior vice president of production and development.
His film credits include Iron Man (2008), The Avengers (2012), Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), and Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017).
Latcham also worked with Gunn on Guardians of the Galaxy, giving the incoming executive an existing connection to DC's departing filmmaker.
However, Gunn and Safran aren't abandoning DC completely. Both will continue developing creative projects without managing the studio.
James Gunn's DC Reboot Delivered Mixed Results
Gunn and Safran took charge in 2022 with plans to create a connected superhero universe that could give DC a consistent direction.
Their approach involved reinventing recognizable characters while introducing audiences to less familiar heroes and villains.
The strategy initially delivered promising results.
Superman (2025), starring David Corenswet, successfully introduced Gunn's version of the Man of Steel and established the foundation for his cinematic universe.
However, DC's subsequent releases produced different outcomes.
Supergirl (2026) was a financial disappointment, collecting approximately $126 million worldwide.
Meanwhile, Clayface (2026) received positive reviews and earned more than $100 million globally, offering a more encouraging result for DC's smaller productions.
Television series such as Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, and Lanterns also contributed to the expanding universe.
Despite those projects, Gunn's larger plans remain incomplete, making his departure particularly significant.
Did Skydance Push James Gunn Out?
The circumstances surrounding Gunn and Safran's exits remain uncertain.
This initially raised questions about whether the executives chose to leave or whether Skydance leadership wanted them replaced.
Subsequent reporting suggests the company's leadership had considered making changes before finalizing its acquisition of Warner Bros.
That possibility contrasts with earlier signs of support for Gunn's plans.
Skydance CEO David Ellison reportedly visited the set of Man of Tomorrow (2027), and Gunn and Safran had recently presented their plans for the future.
Gunn later discussed his departure publicly, acknowledging the difficulties of overseeing DC Studios and expressing relief about returning to filmmaking.
He also revealed that he is writing another DC project involving Safran, although its future remains uncertain.
Neither executive has confirmed that they were forced out, and Skydance hasn't publicly identified who made the decision.
Another DC Universe Reboot Remains Possible
DC fans have already experienced numerous creative changes, making another potential overhaul understandable cause for concern.
Latcham's Marvel background could influence how the studio handles connected stories, familiar characters, and future releases.
He might expand opportunities for lesser-known superheroes or reconsider projects Gunn previously announced.
Some movies could face creative adjustments, delays, or cancellations. Another reboot could even introduce different actors portraying established characters.
However, DC hasn't announced any of those changes.
Gunn has suggested that characters introduced under his leadership will remain, leaving open the possibility that Latcham will preserve much of the existing universe.
Upcoming DC Movies Continue Moving Forward
For now, DC still has major productions underway.
Gunn's Man of Tomorrow (2027) is in post-production and will continue the story from Superman (2025).
Superman and Lex Luthor will appear, while rumors about Wonder Woman's involvement remain unconfirmed.
Meanwhile, The Batman Part II (2028), starring Robert Pattinson, continues Matt Reeves' separate Batman storyline.
The sequel remains in production, with Gunn and Safran attached as producers despite their departures from leadership.
Both films could help DC maintain momentum during the transition.
Still, Latcham faces a difficult challenge: building confidence in a franchise that has repeatedly changed direction.
Whether he continues Gunn's vision or eventually creates something different remains to be seen.
