James Gunn and Peter Safran Out as Skydance Reshapes DC Studios
DC Studios is getting a major creative overhaul – again.
Co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran, who stepped in to chart a course for DC starting in 2022. During their time, they released Super/Man, Superman (directed by Gunn), Supergirl, Clayface, Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, Peacemaker, and more. They had a roadmap planned with a decade's worth of projects, some of which had fallen by the wayside during development.
“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,” Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz said jointly in a statement (via THR). “We’re grateful for their passion, contributions and commitment to this legendary brand.”
Skydance had previously indicated Gunn and Safran would remain at the head of DC Studios, in spite of fan concerns that the progressive politics espoused by Gunn (and visible in his work) would put him at odds with Ellison, a hyperconservative billionaire and Donald Trump supporter.
The duo will be replaced by Jeremy Latcham, a former Marvel Studios executive.
“Jeremy has been a longtime creative partner to both, and 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,” said Skydance's statement.
“DC’s pantheon of characters is among the most iconic in American popular culture,” said Latcham in a statement. “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 be attached to a number of upcoming DC projects, including Man of Tomorrow and The People vs. Gorilla Grodd. They remain producers on Matt Reeves's The Batman Part II.
