You know the old curse, “may you live in interesting times”? Today it feels like more of a blessing, as we’ve gotten some terrific news from Walt Disney Animation Studios!
Jared Bush, who wrote Zootopia, Moana, and Encanto, and who is currently directing Zootopia 2, has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios! What’s more, Byron Howard is returning to the world he helped create as Co-Director on Zootopia 2!
This news comes to us via The Wrap, and has been confirmed by our contacts at WDAS. The decision was apparently by Jennifer Lee, who Bush will be replacing as CCO, who wished to return to filmmaking full time. According to The Wrap, she and Jared had some statements about the change.
“I am so grateful to Bob and Alan for supporting my decision to return to filmmaking full time,” said Lee, “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.”
And from Jared Bush:
“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’. 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.”
Excellent news indeed- We can’t think of anyone more suited for the role of Chief Creative Officer. Congratulations to Jared Bush once again, and we look forward to seeing what comes next for the studio!