DC Studios is preparing for a change in leadership, but the bigger question for fans is what it means for the superhero universe built under James Gunn and Peter Safran. After four years at the helm, the duo are stepping down as the studio's co-chairmen and CEOs, making way for former Marvel executive Jeremy Latcham.

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Latcham will take charge as president and chief creative officer from December 1, 2026. His responsibilities will span DC's film, television and animation divisions, placing him at the centre of decisions about the franchise's next phase.

Gunn and Safran, meanwhile, are expected to return to full-time creative work. However, their departure does not mean an immediate break from the projects they have already set in motion. They are expected to fulfil existing commitments, including ‘Man of Tomorrow’, the upcoming Superman film.

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The leadership transition comes at a crucial point for DC. Gunn and Safran took charge in 2022 and subsequently introduced a new plan for the DC Universe, bringing several familiar characters and lesser-known comic book figures into the same cinematic framework. While some projects have moved into production, others remain at different stages of development.

With a new creative head taking over, here is a look at the status of DC's major superheroes and upcoming projects.

Superman's next battle is already taking shape

David Corenswet's Superman is among the characters whose immediate future appears relatively clear. The actor is expected to return in ‘Man of Tomorrow’, the sequel to Gunn's ‘Superman’.

The upcoming film will bring back Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, this time with the unlikely prospect of the superhero and his former adversary working together against a larger threat. Lars Eidinger has been cast as Brainiac, the formidable villain expected to pose the central challenge.

Rachel Brosnahan and Skyler Gisondo are also set to reprise their roles as Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen. With Gunn continuing his involvement in the film, the leadership change is not expected to affect the project in the immediate future.

The bigger question is who will guide Superman's story after the sequel. Whether Gunn continues to shape the character's journey in the long term will depend on his creative commitments and the direction Latcham chooses for the franchise.

 

Robert Pattinson's Batman remains in a separate universe

 

Unlike Superman, Batman currently exists in two distinct versions on the big screen. Robert Pattinson plays the masked vigilante in Matt Reeves' crime-driven universe, which is separate from the main DC Universe introduced by Gunn.

Pattinson is expected to return in ‘The Batman Part II’, with Reeves continuing as writer and director. The sequel is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on February 18, 2028.

Reeves has previously spoken about building a larger story around his version of Gotham City, although a third film has not been officially confirmed. The immediate focus remains on completing the second instalment.

At the same time, Gunn had been developing a different Batman for the main DC Universe. This version is expected to be part of the wider superhero storyline rather than Reeves' standalone continuity.

The studio will therefore have to maintain two interpretations of one of its most recognisable characters. Whether both continue along their planned paths under Latcham remains to be seen.

Wonder Woman's future is still uncertain

Wonder Woman is another major DC character awaiting clarity. A new film centred on the Amazonian superhero has been discussed, but details about its casting, director and release timeline have not been firmly established.

Gal Gadot, who played the character in the previous DC film universe, has not received a confirmed return announcement. This leaves the future of her version of Diana Prince uncertain.

Meanwhile, the casting of Adria Arjona as Maxima in ‘Man of Tomorrow’ has fuelled speculation about her possible involvement with Wonder Woman. However, there is no official confirmation that Arjona will portray the Amazonian warrior.

Given the character's importance to DC's comic book universe, the decision on how to reintroduce Wonder Woman could become one of the new leadership's significant creative choices.

Will Margot Robbie return as Harley Quinn?

Harley Quinn remains one of DC's most popular characters, with Margot Robbie's portrayal earning a strong following. The actor last appeared as the character in Gunn's ‘The Suicide Squad’ in 2021, after previously starring in ‘Suicide Squad’ and ‘Birds of Prey’.

Robbie's version of Harley became a major part of the franchise's previous screen universe. However, there has been no official announcement of a new project featuring her in the role.

The character's future could take different directions, including a return to the big screen or an appearance in another DC project. For now, fans will have to wait for the studio to reveal whether Robbie will reprise the role under its new leadership.

Blue Beetle's place in the new DC Universe

Xolo Maridueña introduced audiences to Jaime Reyes, the young superhero known as Blue Beetle, in the 2023 film. The character was considered for a place in the new DC Universe, even though the film arrived during a period of transition for the franchise.

The film's box-office performance did not translate into an immediate sequel announcement. There have also been no firm details about when Blue Beetle might next appear on screen.

His future remains open, with the possibility of the character returning in a larger DC project rather than through a direct follow-up to the 2023 film. Any such appearance, however, is yet to be confirmed.

Peacemaker: Is John Cena's story over?

John Cena's Peacemaker became one of the most recognisable characters from Gunn's DC projects. Introduced in ‘The Suicide Squad’, the character went on to headline his own series, which expanded his story beyond the film.

The show's second season continued the character's journey in the new DC Universe. However, a third season has not been officially announced.

Gunn's exit from the studio's leadership has naturally raised questions about the show's future, but there has been no announcement that it has been cancelled. Its continuation will depend on the studio's plans and the creative direction it chooses for the character.

Creature Commandos and DC's animation slate

‘Creature Commandos’ holds a special place in Gunn and Safran's DCU plan. The animated series, which premiered in December 2024, was the first official project released under the new universe.

The show brought together a team of unusual and often overlooked characters from DC Comics. Its second season has already been renewed and is expected in 2027.

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'Mike Hammer' actor Stacy Keach dies at 85 after long battle with heart conditionThe renewal indicates that the project is moving ahead for now, although its longer-term place in the franchise will depend on how the incoming leadership approaches animation. DC's animated projects have often helped expand the universe beyond its live-action films, making the division an important part of the larger strategy.

What happens to Swamp Thing, Bane, Deathstroke and Teen Titans?

Beyond the headline superheroes, several projects announced or discussed during Gunn and Safran's tenure are awaiting further updates.

A ‘Swamp Thing’ film, with filmmaker James Mangold previously attached, was among the projects included in the initial DCU plans. The studio had also indicated interest in stories involving characters such as Bane, Deathstroke and the Teen Titans.

However, not all announced projects have progressed at the same pace. Their development status, production schedules and eventual place in the DCU remain uncertain. The change in leadership could lead to fresh decisions about which projects move forward and which are reworked.

A new chapter for DC Studios

Gunn and Safran's departure marks a significant moment for DC Studios, particularly because the franchise is still in the process of establishing its new cinematic identity. Their work brought a central creative plan to a universe that had previously seen several changes in direction.

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Latcham now inherits a slate that includes projects already moving towards release as well as characters and stories that are yet to take shape. His challenge will be to maintain continuity where necessary while deciding how the wider DC Universe should evolve.

For audiences, the immediate future of some characters is clearer than that of others. Superman's next film and Pattinson's Batman sequel are moving ahead, while Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn, Blue Beetle and several other characters are waiting for concrete updates.

The leadership change may not bring an overnight reset, but it does place DC's next set of creative decisions in new hands.