James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down as co-CEOs of the rebooted DC Universe. This decision comes barely two months after the controversial Paramount and Warner Bros. merger concluded. Hollywood insiders had assumed the duo would remain safe, making this ouster a shockingly unexpected development. It is unclear whether the pair chose to resign or were forced out by new management. The uncertainty extends to their planned slate of projects beyond 2028’s Superman: Man of Tomorrow, which is currently in post-production.
Jeremy Latcham Takes Over
Producer Jeremy Latcham will replace Gunn and Safran in the leadership role. Latcham is a protege of Marvel’s Kevin Feige who worked with Gunn on Guardians of the Galaxy among other MCU films. In a joint statement, Gunn and Safran said they set out four years ago to unite DC under one creative vision. They helped restore Superman to the heart of DC while opening new doors with Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, Lanterns and Clayface. The duo expressed immense pride in the team that turned that ambition into something real, including actors, crews and executives. They noted a shared creative history with Latcham going back to Marvel and eager to see his perspective for DC’s next chapter.
I find these developments mixed because I have found the rebooted DC Universe films released thus far to be enjoyable but rather forgettable. HBO has done right by the franchise, however, and I loved both seasons of Peacemaker. Lanterns is a shining beacon of what is possible when someone is allowed to get really creative within the genre. I am very much looking forward to next year’s Jimmy Olsen series The People v. Gorilla Grodd, described as a "mockumentary crime comedy superhero series." I have yet to see Clayface, which debuted to good reviews and a solid box office showing. Fans are mourning the news and what it could mean for the franchise’s future stability.
