Peter Safran

Peter Safran is an American film producer, manager, and attorney whose career has connected horror franchises, comic-book adaptations, and studio filmmaking. He was born in London on November 22, 1965, and grew up in the United States before entering entertainment law.

After graduating from Princeton University and earning a law degree from New York University, Safran worked at the law firm O’Melveny & Myers. He became an entertainment manager, representing clients before producing films through Safran Company, founded back in 1997.

His producing credits included The Quiet American (2002), a political drama directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Michael Caine, Brendan Fraser, and Rade Šerbedžija. Safran later produced the horror film The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005), directed by Scott Derrickson.

The Exorcism of Emily Rose blended courtroom procedure with supernatural horror and became a success. His credits also include the 2006 thriller When a Stranger Calls, the 2007 The Reaping, and the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk, starring Edward Norton.

Safran became associated with The Conjuring universe. He produced The Conjuring (2013), directed by James Wan and based on accounts attributed to investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The film follows the Warrens as the Perron haunting in Rhode Island.

He continued producing sequels and related titles, including The Conjuring 2 (2016), The Nun (2018), Annabelle Comes Home (2019), and The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It (2021). These films expanded the mythology through different settings, investigators, and periods.

Safran produced Aquaman (2018), directed by Wan and starring Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry. Its story follows Curry’s conflict between his identity and claim to Atlantis, with Patrick Wilson playing his half-brother, Orm. The film earned a billion dollars worldwide.

In 2021, Warner Bros. and DC announced Safran and James Gunn as co-chairmen and co-CEOs of DC Studios. Their mandate covered film, television, and animation projects. Safran’s appointment placed a producer with franchise experience alongside Gunn, who became the studio’s leader.

As a producer, Safran has been involved in films ranging from supernatural stories to effects-heavy blockbusters. As a studio executive, he helps shape a slate, balancing properties such as Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman with interpretations and productions across media.

His career spans talent representation, production, franchise building, and corporate leadership. The progression from The Exorcism of Emily Rose and The Conjuring to Aquaman and DC Studios explains his position: he has worked on films and led a superhero universe.