Walt Disney Animation Studios chief creative officer Jennifer Lee has stepped down from her executive position to focus on moving the “Frozen” franchise forward, Walt Disney Co. said.
He was replaced by director Jared Bush of “Zootopia” and “Enchantment.” The changes take effect immediately.
Bush has worked at Disney Animation for 13 years and is writing and directing Zootopia 2, which is set to be released next year. He also served as a screenwriter for 2016’s Moana and executive produced 2021’s Raya and the Last Dragon.
“Disney Animation is home to some of the greatest stories and characters of the last century,” Bush said in a statement. “I am excited to work with all of Disney’s filmmakers, artists and animation team members as we shape the future of this legendary studio together.”
Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman called Bush “the preeminent creative force at Disney Animation over the past decade” and said in a statement that he was “thrilled to take the reins of this historic studio.”
Lee said in a statement that he was “grateful” to Bergman and Walt Disney CEO Bob Iger “for supporting my decision to return to filmmaking full-time.”
“I’ve always believed in Jared’s incredible talent and can’t wait to see what he brings to the table with his passion and dedication to animation,” (chief creative officer) said. “It’s a privilege to work with this studio of artists, animators and storytellers, and I look forward to all we create together.”
Lee served as head of the animation studio for six years, overseeing its creative output including feature films, series and related projects.
She directed and wrote the 2013 film Frozen and the 2019 sequel Frozen 2. She will now focus on writing and directing the next installment of the franchise, ‘Frozen 3,’ set for release in 2027, and co-writing ‘Frozen 4’ with co-star Mark Smith. Lee has been working at Disney Animation since 2011.
