Top Marvel Studios executive Jeremy Latcham is leaving his post for an overall production deal at 20th Century Fox, two individuals familiar with the move told TheWrap.
Latcham, who was most recently credited on the blockbuster “Spider-Man: Homecoming,” will produce original films through his own company set up at the studio, the insiders said.
Latcham’s transition is expected to happen by September. Representatives for Fox and Marvel did not immediately respond to TheWrap’s request for comment.
Currently serving as Marvel’s Senior Vice President of Production and Development, Latcham is one of the earliest architects of the modern Marvel Cinematic Universe.
He started as a producer on Robert Downey Jr.’s “Iron Man” series and climbed the ranks to EP on “The Avengers” and its sequel “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” He also shepherded the successful launch of the “Guardians of the Galaxy” series, starring Chris Pratt and Zoe Saldana.
With plenty of above-the-line talent pondering when to step away from the billion-dollar Disney property, it’s safe to assume legacy producers would look ahead as a new block of Marvel films like Brie Larson’s “Captain Marvel” takes shape.
The current, core Marvel superhero nexus stars Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye and Mark Ruffalo as The Incredible Hulk.
Marvel Studios is run by its president, Kevin Feige. 20th Century Fox is lead by Film Chairman and CEO Stacey Snider, and President of Production Emma Watts.