James Gunn and Peter Safran to leave DC Studios as Marvel veteran takes over

James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down as co-CEOs of DC Studios after leading the company for four years.Since taking charge of the comic book studio in 2022, the influential duo oversaw the big-screen releases of Superman, Supergirl, and Clayface, alongside live-action television series such as The Penguin, Lanterns, and the second season of Peacemaker.Despite initially mapping out a decade-long plan, Gunn and Safran will officially step down on December 1. They are to be succeeded by former Marvel executive Jeremy Latcham.Latcham, a Marvel Studios veteran who previously served as Kevin Feige's right-hand man, has been appointed president and chief creative officer of DC Studios.In a joint statement, Skydance Chairman and CEO David Ellison alongside co-CEO Ynon Kreiz stated: "James and Peter launched a new era for DC Studios and led it through a period of real transformation, resetting the foundation and building a slate we’re incredibly proud of.“We’re grateful for their passion, contributions and commitment to this legendary brand.”The Skydance chiefs pointed to Latcham as a "longtime creative partner" to both of his predecessors.Jeremy Latcham has been appointed president and chief creative officer of DC StudiosGettyThey added: "We have complete confidence that James and Peter will ensure a smooth, collaborative transition and continue this work with care."We look forward to working with Jeremy to build the next generation of DC storytelling and to doubling down on our commitment to fans.”Latcham is one of Marvel Studios' earliest employees, having joined in 2004 and rising through the ranks to senior vice president of production and development.Alongside Feige, he worked on major blockbusters including Iron Man, Iron Man 2, The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.Despite initially mapping out a decade-long plan, Gunn and Safran will officially step down on December 1AFP/GettyIn his new role, Latcham will be in charge of DC's film, TV and animation output, overseeing the studio's creative pipeline, as well as production, talent and strategy.Read MoreHe said: “DC’s pantheon of characters is among the most iconic in American popular culture.“I’ve had the privilege to help bring some of the most celebrated superhero stories to life on the big screen, and I’m excited and honored for the opportunity to now lead DC Studios into its next era."The chance to steward the incredible cast of DC characters to the screen in a way that excites lifelong fans while introducing their timeless stories to the next generation is a massive responsibility that I do not take lightly.”Gunn and Safran will remain connected to DC through several creative projects, including Gunn's Man of Tomorrow and the TV spin-off The People v. Gorilla Grodd.Gunn and Safran will remain connected to DC through several creative projects,AFP/GettyAdditionally, the duo are serving as producers on The Batman: Part II.They said in a joint statement: "Four years ago, we set out to unite DC under one creative vision. In that time, we helped restore Superman to the heart of DC, while opening new doors and telling new stories in film and television with Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, Lanterns and Clayface.“We’re immensely proud of the team that turned that ambition into something real, including the actors, crews and executives we had the opportunity to collaborate with."They also expressed optimism about the future of DC Studios under Latcham's leadership, as well as their own ongoing creative work.They added: "We’ve shared a creative history with Jeremy going back to Marvel, and we’re eager to see the perspective he brings to DC’s next chapter."We’re excited to return to what drew us to this job in the first place, which is telling the stories we love, including the next chapter of Clark and Lex’s journey in Man of Tomorrow.”