Batman Justice League Plans in Doubt After Gunn, Safran DC Exit
James Gunn and Peter Safran are out as heads of DC Studios, and Skydance has named Marvel veteran Jeremy Latcham to replace them from December 1, 2026. Their plans for a new Batman and Justice League films in 2029 and 2031 now have no confirmed future.
James Gunn and Peter Safran are out as CEOs and chairmen of DC Studios, and their Batman and Justice League plans now face an uncertain future under new leadership. Skydance has named Marvel veteran Jeremy Latcham as the studio's new president and chief creative officer.
Latcham takes charge on December 1, 2026. He will oversee DC's film, television and animation divisions. He previously worked on Marvel projects including "Iron Man," "The Avengers" and "Guardians of the Galaxy."
What Gunn and Safran had planned
According to Wall Street Journal reporter Ben Fritz, writing on X, Gunn and Safran hoped to introduce the DCU's Batman in "The Brave and the Bold," targeted for 2028. Their broader plans reportedly included more Superman sequels directed by Gunn. Those films would lead gradually to Justice League movies planned for 2029 and 2031.
Gunn recently teased that he was searching for his own DCU Batman, separate from Matt Reeves' version of the character. There was also recent talk of bringing Margot Robbie back as Harley Quinn. "Swamp Thing," from James Mangold, and a long-rumored "Wonder Woman" film remain in varying stages of development.
Reeves' Batman is separate
Robert Pattinson's Batman, in Reeves' films, predates the Gunn and Safran era and sits outside their universe. "The Batman" grossed $772.8 million globally. Its sequel, "The Batman: Part II," is slated for February 18, 2028.
Reeves had to step away from production because of a family matter, and Steven Soderbergh stepped in to help finish the shoot. Reeves has spoken about plans for a Batman trilogy. It is unclear whether that would continue under the new leadership.
Man of Tomorrow stays on track
Gunn and Safran will close out their remaining creative commitments at DC Studios. The biggest is "Man of Tomorrow," the sequel to 2025's "Superman," which wrapped filming in late August. Gunn wrote and directed it. It is due in theaters on July 9, 2027.
David Corenswet returns as Superman and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Rachel Brosnahan and Skyler Gisondo also return. Lars Eidinger joins as Brainiac and Adria Arjona as Maxima, though rumors say Arjona is actually playing Wonder Woman. Fritz reported that Gunn and Safran wanted to introduce Wonder Woman in the film. There is no official confirmation it will happen.
A mixed box office record
"Superman" earned $618 million worldwide. "Supergirl" took in $126 million against a $170 million budget. "Clayface," released in late October, pulled in $109 million from a $44 million budget. On HBO, "Peacemaker" and "Lanterns" filled the gaps between the films.
Variety noted that with little firm continuity in place, Latcham can take DC in whatever direction he chooses. It judged that keeping Corenswet as Superman seems likely, since the character was essentially the face of the new universe.
Gunn and Safran's future involvement in the wider DCU plans remains unclear.
