David Ellison Wants Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman Back on the Big Screen Fast

DC fans have learned to expect the unexpected, and the latest overhaul at DC Studios proves it again. David Ellison’s vision for the superhero brand is coming into focus only weeks after his company took control of Warner Bros. The big question now is which heroes will lead the next era.

Paramount completed its takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery on Oct. 6 and renamed the combined company Skydance. Early reports said Gunn and Safran would keep their jobs. Gunn and Safran took over DC Studios in 2022, and that reprieve lasted about a month.

Now a report from TheWrap says insiders believe Jeremy Latcham has a mandate from Skydance CEO David Ellison to get Justice League headliners like Batman, Wonder Woman and Aquaman back on the big screen, and quickly. It signals a sharp turn toward the biggest and most recognizable names in the DC catalog. During an earnings call, Ellison and co-CEO Ynon Kreiz also pledged to double down on their commitment to fans.

Gunn and Safran stepped down as CEOs and chairmen of DC Studios after four years as heads of DC. Their exit was unexpected because they were named as part of Ellison’s business leadership team when the acquisition closed. They will now return to creative work full time. They were originally hired in 2022 with a directive to build a true rival to Marvel’s cinematic universe, and the studio’s commercial results have been mixed.

Latcham, an executive who helped shape the Marvel Cinematic Universe, will serve as president and chief creative officer. His handover takes effect on Dec. 1, and he will report to Ellison and Kreiz. The shake-up came only 33 days after Skydance took control of DC Studios.

One insider said Ellison had been quietly talking with Latcham for more than a month before the merger closed. Ellison, for his part, praised Gunn and Safran for guiding the studio through a major transformation, naming ‘Superman’, ‘Lanterns’ and ‘Creature Commandos’ among their projects.

Latcham is expected to prioritize films for Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, The Flash and other heavyweight characters in the years ahead. That points to a shift toward big names rather than deep cuts, with lesser-known heroes taking a back seat. Some coverage of the report says even modestly known heroes like Supergirl will not get a greenlight for now.

TheWrap’s analysis suggests Skydance could keep most of the actors Gunn and Safran cast, then reorient the slate of solo films. That would mean fast-tracking Wonder Woman, Batman and The Flash while putting ‘Clayface’-style one-offs on ice.

The inclusion of Aquaman stands out, since the hero has not yet appeared in the new DC Universe. Jason Momoa led 2 solo ‘Aquaman’ films, released in 2018 and 2023.

Batman has the clearest path to the screen. ‘The Batman: Part II’ is scheduled for October 1, 2027, and started production in June. The report suggests the film may close out Matt Reeves’ Batman universe, since Ellison wants DC’s most profitable character firmly inside the main DC Universe.

Wonder Woman’s path looks a little clearer, too. Adria Arjona plays a mystery character in ‘Man of Tomorrow’ that many expect to be revealed as Wonder Woman. Gunn is directing that film, which is set for July 9, 2027. Both projects are already in motion, which gives Latcham real material to work with from day one.

Aquaman remains the biggest unknown, with no project or casting announced. DC has not announced a film, cast or release date for the Justice League push, so everything remains in the reported stage for now.

The new direction arrives amid a trust problem. Fans told TheWrap they no longer trust Skydance leadership, especially after Safran was showcased at a Skydance press event in October while Ellison and Kreiz were quietly negotiating with Latcham.

Latcham will be in charge of the fifth DC regime since 2013, which helps explain the skepticism. Each reset has promised a stable, connected universe, and fans have watched the plans shift again and again. For many, a focus on the studio’s most popular characters feels like a safer bet, but it also raises questions about the projects now left behind.

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