*BREAKING* DC STUDIOS EXIT: GUNN goes off…

Marvel may have its DOOMSDAY, but DC has something of a universe-shattering event with which to contend…

In many years, there’s been much speculation about the future of the DC Cinematic Universe. When James Gunn took over as the creative helm of the multi-branch franchise going forward, the slate was controversially wiped clean with a cancellation of several existing projects and the recasting of key characters (Henry Cavill, despite assurances, was out as Superman in favour of David Corenswet and Gil Gadot exited as Wonder Woman.

Gunn’s new position at DC Studios was meant to ensure a more cohesive direction for the DV characters, perhaps emulating the Marvel Cinematic Universe (which had its own problems with success, but generally felt more cohesive).

Now, four years, three movies (Superman, Supergirl and Clayface) and live-action tv series including The Penguin, Peacemaker Season 2 and Lanterns) on – and given the continued fallout from this year’s Paramount/Skydance merger – it appears that rumours of further turbulence were well-founded with Gunn exiting stage left. Peter Sarafan, his co-CEO, will also be leaving.

Some suspected this would happen eventually – few people waking up this morning likely thought it would happen before lunch with little direct warning.

The implications are vast, with the supposed decade of planning for future movies now firmly up in the air. Some of the most short-term plans are likely to stay the same. The Superman sequel Man of Tomorrow in currently in post-production for a planned 2027 debut and the Superman spinoff / Jimmy Olsen story The People v. Gorilla Grodd also in post-production. Gunn and Safran will remain producers on The Batman: Part II  (which has had problems of its own).

The statements have already begun to land.

“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,” Skydance chairman and CEO David Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz noted in a joint statement. “Jeremy [Latcham] 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.”

“DC’s pantheon of characters is among the most iconic in American popular culture. 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. The chance to steward the incredible cast of DC characters to the screen in a way that excites lifelong fans while introducing their timeless stories to the next generation is a massive responsibility that I do not take lightly,” ,” Latcham said in his own statement.

“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. We’re immensely proud of the team that turned that ambition into something real, including the actors, crews and executives we had the opportunity to collaborate with. We’ve shared a creative history with Jeremy going back to Marvel, and we’re eager to see the perspective he brings to DC’s next chapter. 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,” the outgoing duo’s own statement said.

However, Gunn has subsequently been more frank about his feelings which certainly casts doubt about the way forward:

“What only the closest people to me have known over the past four years is my time at DC Studios has been trying, to say the least,” he’s now said. “I dislike the at-times corporate nature of the job (thanks to Peter for taking the brunt of that) … And the thing my ADHD hyperfocus has had the most difficulty with has been dividing my time between projects I’m incredibly passionate about and the ones I’m not so much and all the things I have to do as a studio head … So, yes, I will miss the people around me, and I will miss being the co-caretaker of these great characters, but I’m also incredibly relieved and excited to get back to pure filmmaking.”