James Gunn and Peter Safran Stepping Down from DC. What Does This Mean for the Studio’s Horror Slate?

BREAKING: Massive news this morning, as we’ve learned that James Gunn and Peter Safran have stepped down from their roles at DC Studios.

Skydance Motion Picture Group today announced that Jeremy Latcham has been appointed President and Chief Creative Officer of DC Studios beginning Dec. 1, 2026. After four years in leadership roles, Gunn and Safran will return full-time to their creative work.

Latcham has been involved with various successful comic book adaptations, including Iron Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Spider-Man and The Avengers. Latcham will lead DC’s film, television and animation slate, overseeing the creative pipeline, along with production, talent and strategy.

This move comes after Clayface recently hit the box office. Though the film has grossed more than $109 million worldwide and counting, Dread’s Brad Miska theorized that wouldn’t be enough. Turns out, he was right. I was lukewarm about the film in my own review, feeling it didn’t have the punch it needed to make it a successful pic (box office notwithstanding).

I had thought Gunn and Safran may be on thin ice as the captains steering the ship at DC Studios. I did not, however, expect them to hit an iceberg so quickly.

Said David Ellison, Chairman and CEO, and Ynon Kreiz, Co-CEO, of Skydance: “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. 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.”