Skydance replaces DC Studios leaders with Marvel veteran

Skydance Motion Picture Group has removed James Gunn and Peter Safran from their positions as co-chief executives of DC Studios. The announcement on Monday marks the end of a four-year tenure for the duo. Their departure follows the recent merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Pictures. David Ellison, the chairman and chief executive of Skydance, has selected Jeremy Latchman to take over the leadership role.

Gunn and Safran launched their first major film, “Superman,” in theaters last year. The project grossed $618.7 million worldwide. While this figure fell short of the highest-grossing superhero titles in history, it represented a distinct tonal shift from earlier adaptations. The follow-up film, “Man of Tomorrow,” is currently in postproduction. Other projects in the pipeline include the series “The People v. Gorilla Grodd” and the film “The Batman: Part II.”

The creative slate under Gunn included genre experiments that divided audiences. The horror-superhero hybrid “Clayface” has earned $109 million to date. The release of “Supergirl” earlier this year was a financial setback. Critics and fans debated the political and social themes of these films. Gunn described “Superman” as an immigrant story in an interview, a comment that drew criticism from various media outlets and fan communities.

Latchman is a former senior executive at Marvel Studios. He worked on the initial Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including “Iron Man” and “The Avengers.” He also collaborated with Gunn and Safran on “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Before leaving Marvel in 2017, Latchman helped establish the foundation for that studio’s modern output. Since leaving, he has produced films such as “Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves” and “Bad Times at the El Royale” through his own production company, Latchman Pictures.

The transition of power will be effective on December 1. Latchman will serve as president and chief creative officer of DC Studios. He will report directly to Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, the co-chairs of Skydance Motion Picture Group. Ellison praised the outgoing leadership for resetting the studio’s foundation. He noted that the team built a slate of projects the company is proud to present.

Goldberg and Greenstein stated that Latchman understands the importance of the DC fanbase. They described the audience as the foundation of the multigenerational brand. Gunn and Safran said they are eager to return to writing and directing. They cited a desire to tell the stories they love, including the next chapter in the journey of Clark Kent and Lex Luthor.

Latchman expressed excitement about leading DC Studios into its next phase. He noted his history with superhero storytelling on the big screen. The incoming leader brings a background in both blockbuster franchises and independent production. His arrival signals a new phase for the studio as it moves forward with its existing slate of films and series.