Shockwaves the same size as the green and orange energy waves that came out of Superman when he died in Batman v Superman went through Hollywood and the comic book film industry when news broke that James Gunn and Peter Safran are both stepping down as co-CEOs of DC Studios.
Skydance, which took over the studio following the problematic acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, is appointing former Marvel exec Jeremy Latcham to replace them at the top, possibly in the hope that the DCU, or whatever it will be called now, can compete or keep up with Marvel Studios’ Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Per THR:
Gunn and Safran are stepping down from their leadership roles effective Dec. 1, four years after taking over the job to much fanfare. The duo released three movies during that time (Superman, Supergirl and Clayface), as well as three live-action TV shows (The Penguin, Peacemaker season 2 and Lanterns), and had a decade’s worth of plans in the works. In an Instagram post in which he talked about the highs and lows at DC, Gunn acknowledged that being an exec was “trying, to say the least.” He added: “I dislike the at-times corporate nature of the job (thanks to Peter for taking the brunt of that.”)
“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,” David Ellison, Chairman and CEO, and Ynon Kreiz, Co-CEO, of Skydance said in a joint statement.
“We’re grateful for their passion, contributions, and commitment to this legendary brand. 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.”
James Gunn Called The Job A “Dream Come True”
Gunn spoke about stepping down from his role, saying in a lengthy Instagram statement that “having full access to these characters to do whatever we wanted has been a dream come true.”
He continued, “I didn’t know if I wanted this job when it was offered to me, but I just couldn’t pass up the unique opportunity. I’m glad I took the job.”
“There have been so many highs along the way – releasing Superman and Clayface, making Peacemaker, reading the scripts for The People Vs, the entire process of Man of Tomorrow, which thus far has been the best filmmaking experience of my life, and numerous other moments.”
Interesting he didn’t mention Supergirl. Hmmmmm.
Were James Gunn & Peter Safran Pushed Out of Their Roles?
While the reporting claims both Gunn and Safran’s jobs were safe following the merger, ultimately leading to both of them “stepping away,” some feel they were ultimately “pushed out” of their positions at DC Studios.
“james gunn and peter safran immediately got removed after the paramount merger which is what my fear always was so yea fuck anyone who told me i was over reacting,” one post on X (formerly Twitter) read.
Another post read, “Honestly- I thought James Gunn was actually starting stronger with DC. Superman was good, Supergirl sucked,but he didn’t even direct it, and I appreciate the horror take of Clayface. Kinda sucks he’s getting pushed out like that.”
Snyderverse Stans Celebrate James Gunn Stepping Down
Of course, there are those (mainly Snyderverse stans) who are happy to see James Gunn because they were not on board with Gunn’s vision for the DCU.
“James Gunn will no longer run DC STUDIOS. Oh my goodness we won. We fuckin’ won,” one social media user said in response to Gunn and Safran stepping down.
Just to be clear, we don’t think Snyder is coming back. Also, we’re not too sure Latcham is going to be DC Studios’ savior either, and he could be taking things in a completely different direction that won’t sit well with fans.
Gunn and Safran will still be attached to several projects coming from DC Studios; it will be interesting to see if Gunn stays on to direct future films.
You can see more reactions to this shocking news below.