Credit: Inside the MagicDC Studios is undergoing a major leadership shake-up, with James Gunn and Peter Safran stepping down as co-CEOs of DC Studios on December 1. Marvel veteran Jeremy Latcham will take over as president and chief creative officer, as reported last week by The Hollywood Reporter.
What Does James Gunn’s DC Exit Mean for the DCU?
This comes weeks after Paramount Skydance completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery and subsequently renamed the combined company Skydance. But what does the future hold for the DCU?
We know that Man of Tomorrow (2027)—written and directed by Gunn—is still moving forward with a planned release date of July 9, 2027. While both Gunn and Safran are expected to return to creative work at DC, the shared universe franchise is currently in a state of flux, although other announced projects include the long-gestating Batman film titled The Brave and the Bold (TBA).
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Undergoes Major Franchise Expansion
Meanwhile, the studio is already expanding another major IP: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
The future of the Ninja Turtles is taking shape under a new corporate umbrella. Paramount already has two major TMNT movies on its release schedule—Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem 2, which is scheduled to arrive on August 13, 2027, and an untitled live-action/CGI film reboot, currently set for November 17, 2028.
However, according to TheWrap (via ComicBook.com), Mutant Mayhem 2 could spawn more sequels if it performs well at the box office. Similarly, the live-action reboot could also generate more films if it proves commercially profitable. That project is being produced by Neal H. Moritz, the man behind Paramount’s hugely successful Sonic the Hedgehog movies (a fourth is set for release on March 19, 2027), meaning there are likely similar plans to expand into sequels there, too.
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The TMNT franchise is also expanding significantly beyond theaters.
Earlier this year, the first-ever official Ninja Turtles-themed Pizzeria opened in Santa Monica in June 2026, with more planned for Monterrey, Mexico, and São Paulo, Brazil. Meanwhile, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Live on Stage! is expected to arrive sometime in fall 2027.
The franchise’s expansion also extends to other media, with IDW continuing to publish new comic books and Mattel preparing a new range of merchandise under its licensing partnership.
In a May 2026 announcement on its own website, Paramount Skydance directly outlined its vision for expanding TMNT. More recently, Paramount Vice President, Products and Experiences, EMEA, Ruth Henriquez spoke to Toy World‘s Vicky Doe (per NickALive!) about the Ninja Turtles’ next chapter, explaining that World of TMNT is a unified brand visual identity designed to bring together the franchise’s films, series, games, comics, products, and experiences.
With two theatrical releases, a stage production, and an expanding range of consumer experiences, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are becoming a major focus for the company. The DCU, meanwhile, is entering a new chapter under Jeremy Latcham, with several announced projects still awaiting firm release dates or further updates.
Whether the leadership change brings a significant shift in DC’s direction remains to be seen, but Paramount Skydance’s plans for the Turtles suggest the company isn’t short of major franchises to develop.
Do you think Skydance will make the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles its next major franchise, or can James Gunn still steer the DCU in the right direction? Let us know in the comments below!
