Disney Is Focused on FROZEN Sequels
By Movieguide® Contributor
Disney Studios is focusing on the upcoming FROZEN sequels as it recently rearranged a few roles within the company to give the movies the attention they deserve.
Filmmaker Jared Bush has been named Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation Studios, taking over the role of Jennifer Lee who has “let it go” so she can focus on directing and writing FROZEN 3 and executive producing FROZEN 4 with Marc Smith, Deadline reported.
Movieguide® previously reported on FROZEN 3:
During the Disney Animation Showcase at D23, filmmaker Jennifer Lee shared the first concept art for FROZEN III while teasing that a fourth movie may also already be in the pipeline.
The concept art showed Elsa on a white, ethereal horse, with Anna close behind her on a brown one with Olaf beside her. The shadow of a horned figure holding a spear was projected behind them, possibly hinting at the movie’s villain.
“[The concept art] captures the scene of Anna and Elsa…everyone at Disney Animation is excited to be back in this world,” Lee said, adding, “coming out of FROZEN II, we still have some questions. A lot of questions actually. Now, you see why we need two films to tell this story.”
“Lee rose to prominence as an animation director in 2013 with her feature film debut FROZEN, which she wrote and co-directed with long-term Disney animator Chris Buck,” Screen Rant reported. “The movie was a box office success, grossing over $1.28 billion globally against a production budget of $150 million.”
Lee began her role as CCO in 2018.
“I am so grateful to Bob [Iger] and Alan [Bergman] for supporting my decision to return to filmmaking full time,” she said of her new position. “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.”
Bush also made a statement on the change and expressed his gratitude for the new opportunity.
“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.”
Bush has an impressive resume with Disney. He wrote and directed the hit animated movie ENCANTO, was an executive producer for RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON, wrote MOANA and co-wrote and directed ZOOTOPIA.
FROZEN 3 is slated for a 2027 release.
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