“Dysfunctional Studio” – James Gunn and Peter Safran Step Down as Kevin Feige Protégé Takes Over DC Amid Fan Outcry

Published 11/09/2026, 12:22 PM CST
James Gunn at the premiere of the feature film The Suicide Squad at Landmark Westwood Theatres Los Angeles, 02 08 2021. Foto:xD.xBedrosianx xFuturexImage

DC Studios is heading into another major transition as James Gunn and Peter Safran step down as co-CEOs, with Jeremy Latcham taking over as president and chief creative officer. The appointment brings a familiar Marvel connection into the DC fold, as Latcham previously worked closely with Kevin Feige.

Gunn and Safran took charge in 2022, promising to rebuild DC's cinematic universe after years of inconsistent franchise planning. Their tenure brought a fresh direction through Superman, Peacemaker, Creature Commandos, and Lanterns, giving fans renewed reasons to be optimistic about the superhero brand.

However, just as their larger vision was beginning to take shape, another executive shake-up has arrived. And DC fans are already questioning whether the studio is changing course too soon.

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Jeremy Latcham takes over DC Studios as James Gunn and Peter Safran Exit

The announcement has sparked considerable frustration among DC fans, especially on X, with some questioning the studio's latest leadership decision. 

One fan did not mince words, writing, "Holy s***, what a dysfunctional studio."

Another expressed disappointment over Gunn and Safran's departure, arguing that although Supergirl might have missed the mark, the larger DCU vision deserved more time to develop. 

Caption: July 26, 2025, San Diego, California, USA: JAMES GUNN speaking at the 2025 San Diego Comic Con at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. San Diego USA - ZUMAg247 20250726_znp_g247_055Credits: Imago

"Wow - that’s awful. I get Supergirl was a miss, but damn near everything else was really great and cutting them off when they’re in the early stages of their vision is such a massive shame," one fan wrote in disappointment on X.

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A third fan appeared to have lost faith in the franchise's future altogether.

 "I actually thought DC had a good future. Nevermind then lmao," onewrote.

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With Latcham preparing to take the reins, do fans have reason to worry about DC's future? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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Sarah Ansari

1197 articles

Sarah Ansari is an entertainment writer at Netflix Junkie, transitioning from four years in marketing and automotive journalism to storytelling-driven pop culture coverage. With a background in English Literature and experience writing across NFL, NASCAR, and NBA verticals, she brings a research-led, narrative-focused lens to film and television. Passionate about exploring how stories are crafted and why they resonate, Sarah unwinds through sketching, swimming, motorsports—and yearly winter Harry Potter marathons.

Edited By: Adiba Nizami

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