James Gunn, Peter Safran fired as DC Studios co-CEOs after Paramount-Warner Bros. merger

The two had been the heads of the major superhero movie production company since 2022, releasing three films which were part of the shared DC universe during this time.

DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran were fired from their positions on Monday, following the merger of Warner Bros. Discovery with Paramount Skydance.

The two had been the heads of the major superhero movie production company since 2022, releasing three films which were part of the shared DC universe during this time: 2025's Superman, and 2026's Supergirl and Clayface. 

Gunn has previously claimed to be part Jewish, while Safran is an Ashkenazi Jew.

“Four years ago, we set out to unite DC under one creative vision. In that time, we helped restore Superman to the heart of DC, while opening new doors and telling new stories in film and television with Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, Lanterns, and Clayface," the two shared in a statement.

"We’re excited to return to what drew us to this job in the first place, which is telling the stories we love, including the next chapter of Clark and Lex’s journey in Man of Tomorrow.”

Skydance CEO and chairman David Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz thanked Gunn and Safran in a joint statement.

“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," the two stated.

Marvel producer Jeremy Latcham set as new DC Studios head

Gunn and Safran will be replaced by Marvel Studios veteran producer Jeremy Latcham, responsible for numerous films including 2012's The Avengers and 2017's Spider-Man: Homecoming.

"DC’s pantheon of characters is among the most iconic in American popular culture," Latcham stated. "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."

Superman, one of DC's most famous characters, is one of the earliest examples of the modern perception of a superhero. He was created in 1938 by two Jewish-American immigrants, Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, and has since become one of America's most popular cultural icons.