DCU’s Peter Safran Rumored To Replace Dan Lin as Netflix’s Film Chief

Netflix is in the middle of one of the biggest shakeups in its history, and the search for its next film boss is already generating plenty of buzz. Last week, the streamer cut roughly 1,000 jobs, about 6% of its workforce, and parted ways with chief content officer Bela Bajaria after nearly a decade. Days later, film chief Dan Lin was dismissed after almost 3 years in the role.

Lin’s exit leaves a major vacancy at a critical time. He joined Netflix in April 2024, replacing Scott Stuber, after running his production company Rideback, which built the ‘Lego’ film franchise, Stephen King’s ‘It’ adaptations and the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ movies.

He was brought in to curb spending while raising the quality of the overall slate, though his tenure reportedly included clashes with filmmakers like Greta Gerwig over ‘Narnia’ and Ben Affleck over his directorial effort ‘Animals’.

Now, a new rumor has thrown an unexpected name into the race. According to insider Daniel Richtman, DC Studios co-CEO Peter Safran is one of the candidates to replace Lin at Netflix. ComicBookMovie.com has also reported that Safran is in the mix for the role.

It’s important to stress that this is only a rumor at this stage. Netflix has not commented, Safran has not addressed the speculation, and no official candidate list has been made public.

The decision ultimately falls to Peter Rice, the former Fox and Disney executive who is set to take over as Netflix’s chief content officer on October 26. Rice will oversee the company’s global content organization, including film, television, and live events, and is expected to name Lin’s permanent successor after he officially steps in.

Peter Safran is one of the candidates to replace Dan Lin at Netflix?!?!

— Daniel Richtman (@DanielRPK) October 23, 2026

Under Rice’s leadership, Netflix reportedly aims to focus on creating big, buzzy hits. Other names have also surfaced in industry speculation, including former Warner Bros. film chiefs Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy, though none have been confirmed for the job.

On paper, Safran brings an impressive résumé. As a producer, he’s behind the hugely profitable ‘Conjuring’ franchise, and alongside James Gunn, he runs DC’s film and television portfolio. Within DC Studios, Gunn handles the creative side while Safran focuses on business and production.

That experience across big franchises and mid-budget genre hits could appeal to a streamer looking to rethink its film strategy. Still, ComicBookMovie.com noted that Safran exploring the opportunity wouldn’t necessarily mean he has lost faith in DC Studios.

The timing has certainly raised eyebrows among DC fans. DC Studios now sits under Skydance following the company’s recent takeover of Warner Bros., a deal that has already brought leadership changes, including the dismissal of Warner Bros. film chiefs De Luca and Abdy.

The studio has also had a mixed year at the box office. ‘Supergirl’ earned $126 million worldwide against a reported $170 million budget, while the lower-budget ‘Clayface’ just opened in theaters to strong audience scores but a soft overseas start. Gunn and Safran’s DC contracts were reported last year to run through spring 2027, adding another layer of uncertainty to the studio’s future.

For now, there’s no confirmation that Safran is actively pursuing the Netflix role or that he’s leaving DC Studios. Until Netflix or Safran himself addresses the speculation, it remains firmly in rumor territory. Still, with Rice taking the reins in a matter of days, fans won’t have to wait long to see who Netflix ultimately chooses to lead its film division.

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