Nov 10, 2026 12:06pm IST
Robert Pattinson’s ‘The Batman’ to David Corenswet’s ‘Superman’: What Happens to DC’s Heroes After James Gunn and Peter Safran’s Exit?
DC Studios is heading into a new chapter. James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down as its CEOs and chairmen after four years, with Marvel veteran Jeremy Latcham appointed as the studio’s new president and chief creative officer, effective December 1, 2026.
The transition comes after the duo established a new DC Universe with “Superman”, followed by projects including “Supergirl”, “Clayface”, “Peacemaker” and “Lanterns”. While Gunn and Safran will return to full-time creative work, they will complete their existing commitments, including “Man of Tomorrow”. With Latcham now set to oversee DC’s film, television and animation slate, the future of several characters and projects remains uncertain. Here is where things stand.
Superman
David Corenswet is expected to return as Superman in “Man of Tomorrow”, written and directed by Gunn. The sequel will bring back Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, with the two characters joining forces against Brainiac, played by Lars Eidinger. Rachel Brosnahan and Skyler Gisondo are also returning. Having become the face of the new DCU, Corenswet is likely to retain the role, although the franchise's longer-term direction will be up to Latcham.
Batman
Robert Pattinson’s Batman exists outside James Gunn’s DC Universe, with Matt Reeves developing a separate trilogy around the character. While “The Batman: Part II” is moving forward, with Pattinson reprising his role and the film scheduled for February 18, 2028, the future beyond the sequel is less certain.
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“The Batman III”, which would complete Reeves’ planned trilogy, is now in dicey waters following the leadership shake-up. With Gunn and Safran stepping away from DC Studios, it remains to be seen whether the new leadership will continue backing Reeves’ long-term vision. Meanwhile, Gunn had also been developing a separate Batman for the main DCU, meaning the studio now has two distinct versions of the Dark Knight to account for.
Wonder Woman
A new Wonder Woman film has been long rumoured and remains in varying stages of development. However, there is no confirmed casting or release date. Gal Gadot’s future as the character is also unclear. Adding to the speculation is Adria Arjona’s casting as Maxima in “Man of Tomorrow”, although rumours have suggested she could actually be playing Wonder Woman. DC has not confirmed that speculation.
Harley Quinn
Margot Robbie last played Harley Quinn in Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” (2021), following appearances in “Suicide Squad” and “Birds of Prey”. There has been renewed talk about bringing the actor back to the role, but no new project has been announced. Robbie’s return could be an appealing prospect for the new DC leadership, particularly given the popularity of her interpretation of the character.
Blue Beetle
Xolo Maridueña’s Blue Beetle made his debut in the 2023 film of the same name, which underperformed at the box office. However, the actor is returning in “Man of Tomorrow”, a development that gives the character a place in the new DCU. Whether he will receive another standalone film remains uncertain.
Peacemaker
John Cena’s Peacemaker has been one of Gunn’s most prominent DC creations, first appearing in “The Suicide Squad” before leading his own HBO series. The second season arrived in 2026, but a third season has neither been announced nor cancelled. With Gunn stepping away from the studio’s leadership, the show’s future is unclear.
Creature Commandos
Gunn’s animated series was the first official project in the new DCU, premiering in December 2024. It has already been renewed for a second season, expected in 2027. However, whether the series will continue beyond that remains uncertain following Gunn’s exit.
Swamp Thing, Bane, Deathstroke and More
Several other projects announced during Gunn and Safran’s tenure never received official greenlights. These include a “Swamp Thing” film, with James Mangold attached as director, as well as projects centred on Batman villains Bane and Deathstroke and the Teen Titans. With Latcham taking charge, the status of these projects is now up in the air.
For now, DC has a handful of projects already moving forward, while several others remain at the development stage. Gunn and Safran will continue to have a creative presence through their existing commitments, but the larger direction of the universe will ultimately be shaped by its new leadership.
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