- Primary Subject: Frank Grillo & DC Studios Leadership Shake-Up
- Key Update: Frank Grillo publicly praised departing DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran, thanking them for an incredible journey while looking forward to future collaborations.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: November 12, 2026
- Quick Answer: Frank Grillo thanked departing DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran on Instagram, praising their loyalty and expressing excitement for future projects together.
Frank Grillo breaks his silence on the surprising departure of former DC Studios co-CEOs James Gunn and Peter Safran from the DCU.
Gunn and Safran had big plans for the franchise's expanding universe, with several upcoming and proposed projects in development.
However, with the DCU potentially facing another major shake-up, what does Grillo, who plays recurring character Rick Flag Sr., have to say about the duo's departure?
What Did Frank Grillo Say About James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU Exit?
There have been speculations about James Gunn and Peter Safran’s future at DC Studios amid the Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros. Discovery merger.
While it was widely believed the two would stay, they ultimately ended up being fired and replaced by Jeremy Latcham.
So, as a DCU star who has appeared in Superman, Peacemaker, and Creature Commandos, and is set to reprise his role in the upcoming Man of Tomorrow, what does Frank Grillo have to say about Gunn and Safran’s exit?
“I feel like now that the dust has settled a bit and every jerkoff with an Instagram handle has an opinion, I just wanted to publicly thank two of the finest men that I’ve met in this business in Peter Safran and James Gunn,” Grillo said in a video posted on Instagram. “Two of the most loyal guys, two of the most passionate and loving and creative human beings that I’ve had the pleasure and the honor of getting to work with.”
The martial artist and actor recalled the “amazing experience” he had working with the duo, calling it a “gift.”
He then tagged both men in his post, thanking them “for what has been [an] incredibly creative and fun journey.”
“Excited to see what we’re doing next as you’ll never ever rid yourselves of me. Love you both immensely. Thank you,” he added.
What’s Next for the DCU After James Gunn and Peter Safran’s Exit?
James Gunn and Peter Safran were still working on the DCU’s Chapter 1: Gods and Monsters before they were ultimately replaced by Marvel alum Jeremy Latcham.
During Gunn and Safran’s tenure, the franchise released Superman, Supergirl, and Clayface, along with Peacemaker Season 2 and Creature Commandos.
With several projects still in the pipeline, what’s next for the franchise following their exit?
Several movies and TV series already in the works are expected to move forward with their releases, including Man of Tomorrow, scheduled for July 9, 2027; The Batman Part II, arriving on February 18, 2028; Dynamic Duo, set for September 22, 2028; Mister Miracle (TBD); The People v. Gorilla Grodd (TBD); and Creature Commandos Season 2 (TBD).
Other projects currently in development include Lanterns Season 2, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, a Poison Ivy TV series, Swamp Thing, a Teen Titans movie, a Bane / Deathstroke movie, a Wonder Woman movie, a Blue Beetle animated series, Harley Quinn and other animated titles, Sgt. Rock, a V for Vendetta TV series, and a Constantine reboot.
Meanwhile, projects that are on hold or have an unclear development status include Constantine 2, The Authority, the Waller TV series, the Booster Gold TV series, and the Paradise Lost TV series.
With Gunn and Safran’s departures set to take effect on December 1 and Latcham scheduled to take over on the same date, it remains to be seen whether the new leadership will keep these projects on track or make further changes to the DCU.