James Gunn and Peter Safran to Step Down as DC Studios Co-CEOs

James Gunn and Peter Safran Step Down at DC Studios

A chapter in comic book adaptation history is drawing to a close now that James Gunn and Peter Safran are leaving their roles as co-CEOs of DC Studios.

The Batman Bookend Detail

This surprising news arrives only a few weeks after the finalization of the Paramount/Warner Bros. merger. Amid varying responses on social media, one user on X pointed out that the entire Gunn era took place between Matt Reeves’ The Batman and its upcoming sequel, The Batman Part 2.

Matt Reeves’ original film was released in March 2022, months before Safran and Gunn were hired in 2022 to construct a ten-year DCU continuity spanning movies, TV, and video games. The sequel was announced in April of that year and has faced several delays, with a current release date set for February 18, 2028.

Soderbergh Completes Photography While Reeves Manages Post-Production

Production on the sequel has shifted recently as Reeves stepped back to handle a personal matter, with Steven Soderbergh stepping in to complete principal photography. Reeves remains in touch with Soderbergh during the shoot and will take back the reins during post-production.

Prior to Jeremy Latcham stepping into the role by December 1, James Gunn and Peter Safran will depart their current posts, though they remain involved with the ongoing DC project lineup. Gunn remains in post-production on his Superman follow-up, Man of Tomorrow, which is scheduled to release on July 9, 2027, and both departing executives retain producer credits on the Batman sequel.

Gunn posted about his exit on Instagram, reflecting on the highs of working for DC and praising his collaborators.