Disney has seen a significant shake-up on the executive side. It’s reported that Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jennifer Lee will segue from her position into an on-set role, returning to write and direct Frozen 3 and co-write Frozen 4 with Marc Smith. Lee has served as CCO for the division since 2018.
Effective immediately, Oscar-winning Jared Bush (Encanto) has been named Walt Disney Animation Studios’ CCO. He will report to Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman.
“I am so deeply grateful to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman for their faith in me and thankful to Jennifer for her leadership and for her generous support as she embarks on the next chapters of Frozen,” said Bush. “Disney Animation is home to some of the greatest stories and characters of the past century, and I’m so excited to work with all of our filmmakers, artists, and Disney Animation team members as we shape the future of this legendary studio together.”
Said Lee, “I am so grateful to Bob and Alan for supporting my decision to return to filmmaking full-time. Every day working with them is a master class in creativity, business, community, and integrity. I’ve always believed in Jared’s incredible talent and can’t wait to see, with his passion and dedication to animation, what he brings to the CCO role. For me, getting to collaborate with this studio of artists, animators, and storytellers is such a privilege, and I look forward to all we will create together.”
The Oscar-winning producer and 30-year Disney veteran Clark Spencer will continue as President of Walt Disney Animation Studios.
