James Gunn DCU Exit Explained: Everything We Know and What It Means Next
Latcham takes over DC Studios
Jeremy Latcham, a former Marvel Studios production and development executive, will lead DC Studios starting December 1. He will report to Skydance Motion Picture Group co-chairs Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein.
Latcham produced Iron Man, The Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron and Spider-Man: Homecoming. His Marvel work represents more than $5 billion in superhero-movie experience, according to the report.
Skydance has not formally explained why Gunn and Safran were replaced. The change follows a strong start with Superman, alongside weaker box-office results for other releases.
Mixed results precede the change
Supergirl earned $126 million against a $175 million budget, while Clayface brought in $109 million against a $40 million budget. The latter was described as a solid hit, though not a widespread one.
The report says audiences had not shown overwhelming interest across the DCU’s movies and shows, leaving Skydance room to make a leadership change after the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. Gunn and Safran’s preference to return to creative work also factored into the decision.
Their departure comes after six DCU movies and shows were released from 2024 to 2026. The shift is another change in leadership for DC’s film efforts, following earlier leaders including Zack Snyder, Jon Berg, Geoff Johns and Walter Hamada.
Gunn and Safran return to creative work
Gunn is expected to focus on writing and directing projects, while Safran can concentrate on producing. Gunn said he was “incredibly relieved and excited to get back to” creative work, according to his official statement.
Their exits do not change the immediate plan for Man of Tomorrow. Filming is complete, and the movie is in post-production ahead of its July 9, 2027 release.
Gunn and Safran will continue finishing the film, though Latcham and Skydance leaders may have input during post-production. Gunn has also confirmed he is writing a secret DC movie that Safran will produce; they will assess what comes next afterward.
Key points
- Jeremy Latcham will lead DC Studios starting December 1.
- Supergirl earned $126 million on a $175 million budget; Clayface earned $109 million on a $40 million budget.
- Man of Tomorrow remains scheduled for July 9, 2027.
- Gunn is writing another DC movie for Safran to produce.