After nearly 40 years in Park City, the Sundance Film Festival may be pulling up stakes.
With its current contract expiring after the 2026 festival, organizers of the iconic Robert Redford-founded indie film shindig in the Utah mountain town said Wednesday that they have opened a bid process for a possible move to a new city. As Deadline exclusively reported last summer, Sundance has quietly been considering a change for a while.
At the same time, with the 2025 and 2026 festivals still set for Park City, we hear the incumbent location remains in the mix. To that end, Sundance is also exploring a renewal of its latest 13-year-old deal with the pricey resort town if a strong enough local offer is placed on the table.
The verdict to open the process now, with more than six months to go before any renewal with Park City had to be decided upon, was signed...
With its current contract expiring after the 2026 festival, organizers of the iconic Robert Redford-founded indie film shindig in the Utah mountain town said Wednesday that they have opened a bid process for a possible move to a new city. As Deadline exclusively reported last summer, Sundance has quietly been considering a change for a while.
At the same time, with the 2025 and 2026 festivals still set for Park City, we hear the incumbent location remains in the mix. To that end, Sundance is also exploring a renewal of its latest 13-year-old deal with the pricey resort town if a strong enough local offer is placed on the table.
The verdict to open the process now, with more than six months to go before any renewal with Park City had to be decided upon, was signed...
- 4/17/2024
- by Dominic Patten and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Big news ahead of CinemaCon for Disney — and they’re not showing off their presentation until the last day of the exhibitor and studio love-in on April 11.
In big 2026 news, Jon Favreau’s big screen version of The Mandalorian — The Mandalorian & Grogu— is the updated Star Wars title on May 22, 2026. Star Wars films on a theatrical release calendar far far away use to release around Memorial Day weekend. The last one to do so was Solo: A Star Wars Story. No rival wide releases on Mando‘s date.
Toy Story 5 is the title of the untitled Pixar movie on June 19, 2026. Warner Bros/New Line also have this date on hold for an untitled release.
The live action version of Moana, impacted by the Thanksgiving release this year of Moana 2, will hulla- dance its way from June 27, 2025 to July 10, 2026. No competitive releases on that date.
Tron Ares, produced by...
In big 2026 news, Jon Favreau’s big screen version of The Mandalorian — The Mandalorian & Grogu— is the updated Star Wars title on May 22, 2026. Star Wars films on a theatrical release calendar far far away use to release around Memorial Day weekend. The last one to do so was Solo: A Star Wars Story. No rival wide releases on Mando‘s date.
Toy Story 5 is the title of the untitled Pixar movie on June 19, 2026. Warner Bros/New Line also have this date on hold for an untitled release.
The live action version of Moana, impacted by the Thanksgiving release this year of Moana 2, will hulla- dance its way from June 27, 2025 to July 10, 2026. No competitive releases on that date.
Tron Ares, produced by...
- 4/5/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer continues to tease another Pirates project, with the latest update confirming that a reboot featuring a young, new cast is definitely happening.
It’s been the best part of four years since we first heard that Disney had plans to make two very different Pirates Of The Caribbean movies to continue the popular swashbuckling series that already boasts six films. The plans back in 2020 were to develop a female-led version which would be headlined by Margot Robbie alongside another film with an all-new cast. The latter version was based on a script penned by Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott, the writer behind the original Pirates films.
Then in 2022, reports surfaced to suggest that the Margot Robbie-led version had been abandoned with Robbie herself stating that Disney ‘didn’t want to do it.’ However, series producer Jerry Bruckheimer popped up not long afterwards to suggest that...
It’s been the best part of four years since we first heard that Disney had plans to make two very different Pirates Of The Caribbean movies to continue the popular swashbuckling series that already boasts six films. The plans back in 2020 were to develop a female-led version which would be headlined by Margot Robbie alongside another film with an all-new cast. The latter version was based on a script penned by Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and Ted Elliott, the writer behind the original Pirates films.
Then in 2022, reports surfaced to suggest that the Margot Robbie-led version had been abandoned with Robbie herself stating that Disney ‘didn’t want to do it.’ However, series producer Jerry Bruckheimer popped up not long afterwards to suggest that...
- 3/27/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
After a triumphant time in the 2010s, things are uncertain at the Walt Disney Company right now. With audience interest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe fading and "Star Wars" having become a primarily streaming franchise, there's a feeling that the company may have carelessly set fire to its money trees.
Disney's changing leadership suggests it won't be staying the course. In 2022, former Disney CEO Bob Iger resumed his post from Bob Chapek, a simultaneous vote of no confidence in his successor yet a stamp of approval for Iger's own tenure (he first served as Disney CEO from 2005 to 2020). Since his return, Iger has implicitly criticized Chapek's decision to go all-in on Disney+ originals, spreading the company's main offerings (Marvel and Pixar especially) too thin.
Another shake-up happened in February 2024, when Sean Bailey stepped down as president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. His successor, David Greenbaum (formerly of Searchlight Pictures...
Disney's changing leadership suggests it won't be staying the course. In 2022, former Disney CEO Bob Iger resumed his post from Bob Chapek, a simultaneous vote of no confidence in his successor yet a stamp of approval for Iger's own tenure (he first served as Disney CEO from 2005 to 2020). Since his return, Iger has implicitly criticized Chapek's decision to go all-in on Disney+ originals, spreading the company's main offerings (Marvel and Pixar especially) too thin.
Another shake-up happened in February 2024, when Sean Bailey stepped down as president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production. His successor, David Greenbaum (formerly of Searchlight Pictures...
- 3/26/2024
- by Devin Meenan
- Slash Film
Pirates of the Caribbean 6: Casting Rumors and Everything Else We Know About This Sequel (or reboot)
Additional reporting by Chris Bumbray
Drink up me hearties, yo ho, as the question of whether or not we’ll ever get a Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is a complicated one. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was one of Disney’s biggest long-shots back when it first premiered in 2003, yet it eventually turned into one of the most profitable franchises that the studio could have ever hoped for. While the first film is still arguably the pinnacle of the entire franchise, it doesn’t mean that fans and audiences haven’t enjoyed watching the sequels as the decades have rolled on.
That being said, Pirates of the Caribbean hasn’t released a new instalment in nearly 6 years and fans are starting to get a little antsy about when they’ll get to return to the briny deep. Of course, audiences can’t be too hasty as the franchise...
Drink up me hearties, yo ho, as the question of whether or not we’ll ever get a Pirates of the Caribbean 6 is a complicated one. The Pirates of the Caribbean franchise was one of Disney’s biggest long-shots back when it first premiered in 2003, yet it eventually turned into one of the most profitable franchises that the studio could have ever hoped for. While the first film is still arguably the pinnacle of the entire franchise, it doesn’t mean that fans and audiences haven’t enjoyed watching the sequels as the decades have rolled on.
That being said, Pirates of the Caribbean hasn’t released a new instalment in nearly 6 years and fans are starting to get a little antsy about when they’ll get to return to the briny deep. Of course, audiences can’t be too hasty as the franchise...
- 3/17/2024
- by Jon Meschutt
- JoBlo.com
A few weeks ago, Walt Disney's president of motion picture studios, Sean Bailey, stepped down from his position at the company. He had been in that role for 15 years, and under his tenure, Disney went all-in on a plan to release live-action remakes of the studio's classic animated movies. All told, Bailey was responsible for making around $7 billion for Disney, a good percentage of which came from those live-action remakes. But now Bailey's out, and Disney appears to be heading in a new direction.
David Greenbaum, who has spent the past 14 years running Fox Searchlight (now Searchlight Pictures), has taken over, and in a recent article, Puck News reported that Greenbaum's pitch to Disney leadership that got him the job included a single question that summarized his approach to greenlighting things at the studio going forward: Does this movie need to exist?
That's the type of question that Disney seemingly...
David Greenbaum, who has spent the past 14 years running Fox Searchlight (now Searchlight Pictures), has taken over, and in a recent article, Puck News reported that Greenbaum's pitch to Disney leadership that got him the job included a single question that summarized his approach to greenlighting things at the studio going forward: Does this movie need to exist?
That's the type of question that Disney seemingly...
- 3/12/2024
- by Ben Pearson
- Slash Film
It isn’t every week that two of the biggest jobs in film are filled within a matter of days, but that was the case last week. On February 26, Disney’s live-action president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production Sean Bailey exited, making way for Searchlight’s David Greenbaum to take the top job. Two days later on Feb. 28, Rideback’s Dan Lin was tapped to take Scott Stuber’s open seat atop Netflix’s film division.
Greenbaum made his bones on prestige indie films and original, auteur-driven stories. He’s now taking the job at a company that has spent the last 15 years mining IP and playing the hits. Lin is a franchise builder now stepping into an environment known for chasing big prestige swings.
It appears Disney and Netflix are heading in opposite directions. One agent who spoke with IndieWire called it a role-reversal between Disney and Netflix; at one point,...
Greenbaum made his bones on prestige indie films and original, auteur-driven stories. He’s now taking the job at a company that has spent the last 15 years mining IP and playing the hits. Lin is a franchise builder now stepping into an environment known for chasing big prestige swings.
It appears Disney and Netflix are heading in opposite directions. One agent who spoke with IndieWire called it a role-reversal between Disney and Netflix; at one point,...
- 3/8/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Following Disney chief Bob Iger’s very recent admission that the company had quietly canceled several projects that they didn’t wholeheartedly believe in the last few months amid belt-tightening and scaling back, a picture of what some of those projects might be is starting to emerge.
In an in-depth piece from The Wrap about soon-to-be-former Disney executive Sean Bailey and his legacy— exiting after 15 years as the motion picture group’s president of production, a big shake-up in the company— some details of what may have already been put out to pasture are becoming more apparent.
Continue reading Sarah Polley No Longer Directing Disney’s Live-Action ‘Bambi’ Adaptation Amid Disney Changes at The Playlist.
In an in-depth piece from The Wrap about soon-to-be-former Disney executive Sean Bailey and his legacy— exiting after 15 years as the motion picture group’s president of production, a big shake-up in the company— some details of what may have already been put out to pasture are becoming more apparent.
Continue reading Sarah Polley No Longer Directing Disney’s Live-Action ‘Bambi’ Adaptation Amid Disney Changes at The Playlist.
- 3/8/2024
- by Rodrigo Perez
- The Playlist
Sarah Polley is no longer attached to direct the live-action remake of “Bambi” for Disney, IndieWire has learned. The remake of Disney’s 1942 animated classic is still in development at the studio, even after the recent exit of live-action film head Sean Bailey. An individual with knowledge of Polley’s exit said there’s no drama in the split but simply said things didn’t work out.
TheWrap first broke the news in an analysis of Bailey’s exit. Bailey, in his 15-year tenure at Walt Disney Studios, had pioneered and greenlit virtually all of Disney’s streak of live-action remakes of animated classics, some mega hits like “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and some like the recent “The Little Mermaid,” “Haunted Mansion,” and others that underwhelmed at the box office. Some of Bailey’s lingering projects include live-action takes on “Moana,” “Lilo & Stitch,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.
TheWrap first broke the news in an analysis of Bailey’s exit. Bailey, in his 15-year tenure at Walt Disney Studios, had pioneered and greenlit virtually all of Disney’s streak of live-action remakes of animated classics, some mega hits like “The Lion King,” “Aladdin,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” and some like the recent “The Little Mermaid,” “Haunted Mansion,” and others that underwhelmed at the box office. Some of Bailey’s lingering projects include live-action takes on “Moana,” “Lilo & Stitch,” and “Mufasa: The Lion King.
- 3/7/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
At least one live-action Disney remake just took a major step backward. Last year, we learned that the Oscar-winning Sarah Polley ("Women Talking") was set to direct a new live-action reimagining of the 1940s classic "Bambi." Now, it's been revealed that Polley has left the project. There is currently no word on who will replace her and, not to get too ahead of ourselves here, but the answer may be nobody.
According to a report from The Wrap, Polley has quietly left the remake. It's unclear when the filmmaker departed or why she split from Disney on this one. The report also notes that it's equally unclear if the movie will still move forward. Part of that has to do with the recent departure of Sean Bailey, the former president of Walt Disney Motion Picture Production. Bailey was largely responsible for the deluge of live-action remakes of animated classics that...
According to a report from The Wrap, Polley has quietly left the remake. It's unclear when the filmmaker departed or why she split from Disney on this one. The report also notes that it's equally unclear if the movie will still move forward. Part of that has to do with the recent departure of Sean Bailey, the former president of Walt Disney Motion Picture Production. Bailey was largely responsible for the deluge of live-action remakes of animated classics that...
- 3/7/2024
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film
In the latest in a long line of updates, cameras might soon be rolling on a sequel to the beloved 20023 body-swap comedy Freaky Friday, Lindsey Lohan suggests.
We’ve been hearing noises about a sequel to 2003’s Freaky Friday for a long time now, although last year gave us no firm news on the possibility of the film happening. We did get the original film’s two stars, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsey Lohan, both popping up at various points to confirm that talks were ongoing – but nothing concrete materialised.
The last real update we got was in the summer of last year when it was suggested that both stars were in negotiations to return to the roles of Tess and Anna Coleman, although no news of a green light from Disney followed. According to World of Reel, the project ‘could begin shooting very soon’ with Lindsey Lohan confirming that...
We’ve been hearing noises about a sequel to 2003’s Freaky Friday for a long time now, although last year gave us no firm news on the possibility of the film happening. We did get the original film’s two stars, Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsey Lohan, both popping up at various points to confirm that talks were ongoing – but nothing concrete materialised.
The last real update we got was in the summer of last year when it was suggested that both stars were in negotiations to return to the roles of Tess and Anna Coleman, although no news of a green light from Disney followed. According to World of Reel, the project ‘could begin shooting very soon’ with Lindsey Lohan confirming that...
- 3/7/2024
- by Dan Cooper
- Film Stories
Not every movie is going to cross the finish line, but studios such as Warner Bros. have come under fire for publically scrapping movies such as Batgirl, Coyote vs. Acme, and more. Per Deadline, Disney CEO Bob Iger revealed that his studio has done the same thing; they just haven’t been as public about it.
Bob Iger said that Disney has “killed a few projects already that we just didn’t feel were strong enough,” but didn’t elaborate on which projects those were or how far along they were. “We’re doing a lot. When we talk about improving our film slate, there are really three approaches,” Iger said. “One is you have to kill things you no longer believe. And that’s not easy in this business. Because either you’ve gotten started, you have some … costs. It’s a relationship with either your employees or with a creative community.
Bob Iger said that Disney has “killed a few projects already that we just didn’t feel were strong enough,” but didn’t elaborate on which projects those were or how far along they were. “We’re doing a lot. When we talk about improving our film slate, there are really three approaches,” Iger said. “One is you have to kill things you no longer believe. And that’s not easy in this business. Because either you’ve gotten started, you have some … costs. It’s a relationship with either your employees or with a creative community.
- 3/5/2024
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Bob Iger has said Disney has shelved a number of films as the CEO attempts to revive the quality of theatrical output on the back of a relatively disappointing 2023 for the studio.
On stage at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom conference in San Francisco, Iger talked about what he was doing to course-correct.
“You have to kill things you no longer believe in,” he said, ”and that’s not easy because either you’ve gotten started, you have some sunk costs, or it’s a relationship with either your employees or with the creative community.”
Iger did not identify the projects and continued,...
On stage at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom conference in San Francisco, Iger talked about what he was doing to course-correct.
“You have to kill things you no longer believe in,” he said, ”and that’s not easy because either you’ve gotten started, you have some sunk costs, or it’s a relationship with either your employees or with the creative community.”
Iger did not identify the projects and continued,...
- 3/5/2024
- ScreenDaily
Disney CEO Bob Iger said the studio has “killed a few projects already that we just didn’t feel were strong enough,” as the company tries to reverse a box office slump.
“We’re doing a lot. When we talk about improving our film, slate, there are really three approaches. One is you have to kill things you no longer believe. And that’s not easy in this business. Because either you’ve gotten started, you have some … costs. It’s a relationship with either your employees or with a creative community. And it’s not an easy thing. But you got to make those tough calls.”
He said, “We’ve actually made those tough calls. We’ve not been that public about it.” He didn’t name names today either.
“You have to look at everything you’re making, that you do believe in. And you have to take...
“We’re doing a lot. When we talk about improving our film, slate, there are really three approaches. One is you have to kill things you no longer believe. And that’s not easy in this business. Because either you’ve gotten started, you have some … costs. It’s a relationship with either your employees or with a creative community. And it’s not an easy thing. But you got to make those tough calls.”
He said, “We’ve actually made those tough calls. We’ve not been that public about it.” He didn’t name names today either.
“You have to look at everything you’re making, that you do believe in. And you have to take...
- 3/5/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Dune: Part Two salvaged box office after a lacklustre start to the year as the strike-delayed tentpole from Warner Bros and Legendary Entertainment roared to the top of the North American charts with a thunderous $82.5m three-day haul that set the highest opening weekend of 2024 so far.
‘Dune: Part Two’: Review
Double the $41m pandemic launch of its predecessor, the sci-fi set new opening weekend records for director Denis Villeneuve and stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Austin Butler and will give Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav something to cheer about after a low-key Q4 earnings call last month.
‘Dune: Part Two’: Review
Double the $41m pandemic launch of its predecessor, the sci-fi set new opening weekend records for director Denis Villeneuve and stars Timothée Chalamet, Rebecca Ferguson, and Austin Butler and will give Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav something to cheer about after a low-key Q4 earnings call last month.
- 3/4/2024
- ScreenDaily
Daniel Bernhardt from John Wick and Extraction is attached to star as Deathstalker in a reimagining of Roger Corman’s cult 1980s sword and sorcery series of the same name. Raven Banner handles international sales and will distribute in Canada.
Steven Kostanski wrote and will direct the story of the titular barbarian who becomes cursed by a magical talisman that draws him into conflict with a malevolent wizard and a clan of monstrous assassins.
Production is scheduled to commence in late April.
Where the original films capitalised on the popularity of John Milius’ Conan The Barbarian, Kostanski’s new vision...
Steven Kostanski wrote and will direct the story of the titular barbarian who becomes cursed by a magical talisman that draws him into conflict with a malevolent wizard and a clan of monstrous assassins.
Production is scheduled to commence in late April.
Where the original films capitalised on the popularity of John Milius’ Conan The Barbarian, Kostanski’s new vision...
- 3/2/2024
- ScreenDaily
Disney released the first look at ‘Tron: Ares,’ the highly anticipated, new instalment in the groundbreaking ‘Tron’ franchise. The film started production in January in Vancouver and is slated for release in 2025.
The movie is a follow-up to Disney’s 1982 seminal science fiction film ‘Tron’ and the 2010 sequel, ‘Tron: Legacy.’
Director Joachim Rønning said, “I’m excited to be part of the ‘Tron’ franchise and bring this new film to fans around the world. ‘Tron: Ares’ builds upon the legacy of cutting-edge design, technology and storytelling. Now more than ever, it feels like the right time to return to the Grid.”
Also in news – Launch date & teaser art launched for Netflix’ ‘Ultraman: Rising’
The story follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
The feature film stars Jared Leto,...
The movie is a follow-up to Disney’s 1982 seminal science fiction film ‘Tron’ and the 2010 sequel, ‘Tron: Legacy.’
Director Joachim Rønning said, “I’m excited to be part of the ‘Tron’ franchise and bring this new film to fans around the world. ‘Tron: Ares’ builds upon the legacy of cutting-edge design, technology and storytelling. Now more than ever, it feels like the right time to return to the Grid.”
Also in news – Launch date & teaser art launched for Netflix’ ‘Ultraman: Rising’
The story follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.
The feature film stars Jared Leto,...
- 3/1/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Word has it that Sean Bailey had been looking to move on. However the news this week Disney’s president of motion picture studios has stepped down has much to do with CEO Bob Iger’s urgent course correction at a storied studio that just endured a relatively poor year at the box office and is facing pressure from activist shareholders to improve the stock price.
Bailey, a 15-year veteran of the company, was the executive who mined Disney’s animation vault and adapted them into live-action tentpoles that often crushed it at the box office.
For a long time...
Bailey, a 15-year veteran of the company, was the executive who mined Disney’s animation vault and adapted them into live-action tentpoles that often crushed it at the box office.
For a long time...
- 3/1/2024
- ScreenDaily
First ‘Tron: Ares’ photo
Disney’s released the first official photo from Tron: Ares, the third film in the Tron franchise. The first photo came without a detailed description of what we’re seeing but with a short statement from director Joachim Rønning.
“I’m excited to be part of the Tron franchise and bring this new film to fans around the world. Tron: Ares builds upon the legacy of cutting-edge design, technology, and storytelling. Now more than ever, it feels like the right time to return to the Grid,” said Joachim Rønning.
Oscar winner Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) leads a cast that includes Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. Leto, Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Emma Ludbrook, and Steven Lisberger serve as producers. Russell Allen is executive producing.
“Tron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is...
Disney’s released the first official photo from Tron: Ares, the third film in the Tron franchise. The first photo came without a detailed description of what we’re seeing but with a short statement from director Joachim Rønning.
“I’m excited to be part of the Tron franchise and bring this new film to fans around the world. Tron: Ares builds upon the legacy of cutting-edge design, technology, and storytelling. Now more than ever, it feels like the right time to return to the Grid,” said Joachim Rønning.
Oscar winner Jared Leto (Dallas Buyers Club) leads a cast that includes Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson. Leto, Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Emma Ludbrook, and Steven Lisberger serve as producers. Russell Allen is executive producing.
“Tron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is...
- 2/29/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Jared Leto took to Instagram on Thursday to unveil a first look at Tron: Ares, the latest installment in the Tron franchise now shooting in Vancouver.
Tron: Ares stars Leto as Ares, a computer program sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission to introduce artificial intelligence beings to humans.
The Disney tentpole also stars Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan and Gillian Anderson.
Production on Tron: Ares, which is directed by Maleficent: Mistress of Evil‘s Joachim Rønning, was delayed by last year’s SAG/AFTRA strike and started in January 2024.
Disney is targeting a 2025 release for the follow-up to the 1982 seminal science fiction film Tron and the 2010 sequel, Tron: Legacy. While the Tron film centered on a video game designer (Jeff Bridges) entering his own creation, and the follow-up focused on his son (Garrett Hedlund) following in his footsteps,...
Tron: Ares stars Leto as Ares, a computer program sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission to introduce artificial intelligence beings to humans.
The Disney tentpole also stars Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan and Gillian Anderson.
Production on Tron: Ares, which is directed by Maleficent: Mistress of Evil‘s Joachim Rønning, was delayed by last year’s SAG/AFTRA strike and started in January 2024.
Disney is targeting a 2025 release for the follow-up to the 1982 seminal science fiction film Tron and the 2010 sequel, Tron: Legacy. While the Tron film centered on a video game designer (Jeff Bridges) entering his own creation, and the follow-up focused on his son (Garrett Hedlund) following in his footsteps,...
- 2/29/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
What’s black and red and sinister all over? Our first look at a mysterious User in Disney’s next chapter of the Tron franchise, Tron: Ares. In the official first-look image from Tron: Ares, Rinzler gives us an over-the-shoulder stare while wearing a black suit lined with red trim. They’re holding a matching black Identity Disc in their right hand and ready to smoke the competition.
Tron: Ares “follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.”
Tron: Ares is a follow-up to Disney’s 1982 seminal science fiction film Tron and the 2010 sequel, Tron: Legacy. Jared Leto leads the cast of Tron: Ares, with Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson filling out the primary cast.
Tron: Ares “follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings.”
Tron: Ares is a follow-up to Disney’s 1982 seminal science fiction film Tron and the 2010 sequel, Tron: Legacy. Jared Leto leads the cast of Tron: Ares, with Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson filling out the primary cast.
- 2/29/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Disney on Thursday unveiled the first still from Tron: Ares, the third film in the Tron sci-fi franchise, which went into production in Vancouver in January. Check out the pic below.
Starring Jared Leto, the film follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings. It’s directed by Joachim Rønning, who helmed both Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil for Disney following his breakout with 2012’s Kon-Tiki, with Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson rounding out the cast.
Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne wrote the script, with Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Leto, Emma Ludbrook and Steven Lisberger producing alongside executive producer Russell Allen. The film is slated for release...
Starring Jared Leto, the film follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with A.I. beings. It’s directed by Joachim Rønning, who helmed both Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil for Disney following his breakout with 2012’s Kon-Tiki, with Greta Lee, Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, and Gillian Anderson rounding out the cast.
Jesse Wigutow and Jack Thorne wrote the script, with Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Leto, Emma Ludbrook and Steven Lisberger producing alongside executive producer Russell Allen. The film is slated for release...
- 2/29/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Executive turnover dialed up the palace intrigue in the Magic Kingdom this week.
Walt Disney Studios announced on Monday that 15-year veteran Sean Bailey would step down as president of its motion picture production group – a job in which he oversaw splashy live-action remakes of beloved animated properties. In his place, Searchlight Pictures co-head David Greenbaum was elevated and will report directly to top film boss Alan Bergman.
A creative shuffle amongst senior Disney film executives was always going to happen, many industry insiders who spoke with Variety said. As Disney CEO Bob Iger continues to aggressively cut costs amid a nasty proxy battle with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz – and the company’s movies suffer from an uncharacteristic box office slump and creative torpor – many saw a move like Bailey’s as inevitable.
“Disney film needs a shot in the arm, clearly,” said one top agent speaking on the condition of anonymity.
Walt Disney Studios announced on Monday that 15-year veteran Sean Bailey would step down as president of its motion picture production group – a job in which he oversaw splashy live-action remakes of beloved animated properties. In his place, Searchlight Pictures co-head David Greenbaum was elevated and will report directly to top film boss Alan Bergman.
A creative shuffle amongst senior Disney film executives was always going to happen, many industry insiders who spoke with Variety said. As Disney CEO Bob Iger continues to aggressively cut costs amid a nasty proxy battle with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz – and the company’s movies suffer from an uncharacteristic box office slump and creative torpor – many saw a move like Bailey’s as inevitable.
“Disney film needs a shot in the arm, clearly,” said one top agent speaking on the condition of anonymity.
- 2/28/2024
- by Matt Donnelly
- Variety Film + TV
Producer, studio veteran and Rideback founder Dan Lin has been named chairman of Netflix Film to replace the outgoing Scott Stuber, effective April 1.
Lin will report to Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria and worked with the streamer on The Two Popes, and the new live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The appointment came sooner than many in Hollywood expected after it was announced in January that Stuber was to depart after seven years.
It is understood Lin’s name was considered early on in the process to replace Stuber, alongside former Universal chief Stacey Snider, and Disney’s Sean Bailey.
Lin will report to Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria and worked with the streamer on The Two Popes, and the new live-action series Avatar: The Last Airbender.
The appointment came sooner than many in Hollywood expected after it was announced in January that Stuber was to depart after seven years.
It is understood Lin’s name was considered early on in the process to replace Stuber, alongside former Universal chief Stacey Snider, and Disney’s Sean Bailey.
- 2/28/2024
- ScreenDaily
Netflix has named Dan Lin, the producer of “The Lego Movie” and Netflix’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” live-action adaptation, as the new Chairman of Film to replace Scott Stuber, the company announced Wednesday.
The film industry veteran will begin on April 1 and report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer. Stuber, who announced his exit last month and that he would step down in March, was with the streamer seven years.
“Dan’s experience as both an executive and a producer is marked by a consistent ability to draw in exceptional filmmakers,” content chief Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “But what really got my attention was his creation of Rideback, a dynamic community for filmmakers, fostering collaborative and creative environments. His visionary approach has led to the establishment of incubators and residencies, propelling the careers of extraordinary talent, as well as a steady slate of blockbuster films.
The film industry veteran will begin on April 1 and report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer. Stuber, who announced his exit last month and that he would step down in March, was with the streamer seven years.
“Dan’s experience as both an executive and a producer is marked by a consistent ability to draw in exceptional filmmakers,” content chief Bela Bajaria said in a statement. “But what really got my attention was his creation of Rideback, a dynamic community for filmmakers, fostering collaborative and creative environments. His visionary approach has led to the establishment of incubators and residencies, propelling the careers of extraordinary talent, as well as a steady slate of blockbuster films.
- 2/28/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Dan Lin has been appointed as Netflix’s new head of film.
He’ll replace Scott Stuber, who previously announced he’d be stepping down from the streaming behemoth in March. Lin’s name had been in the mix — along with recently departed Disney executive Sean Bailey, former Universal chief Stacey Snider and others — since the top film job opened in January.
Lin is best known for producing the “Lego” film franchise, director Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel “It,” and Disney’s “Aladdin” remake through his production company Rideback. He and Netflix previously worked together on “The Two Popes” and the live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series. He will begin on April 1 and report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer.
Prior to founding Rideback, Lin worked at Warner Bros. as as senior VP of production. During his eight-year tenure at the studio, from...
He’ll replace Scott Stuber, who previously announced he’d be stepping down from the streaming behemoth in March. Lin’s name had been in the mix — along with recently departed Disney executive Sean Bailey, former Universal chief Stacey Snider and others — since the top film job opened in January.
Lin is best known for producing the “Lego” film franchise, director Andy Muschietti’s adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel “It,” and Disney’s “Aladdin” remake through his production company Rideback. He and Netflix previously worked together on “The Two Popes” and the live-action “Avatar: The Last Airbender” series. He will begin on April 1 and report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer.
Prior to founding Rideback, Lin worked at Warner Bros. as as senior VP of production. During his eight-year tenure at the studio, from...
- 2/28/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin and Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Deadline has learned that producer Dan Lin is taking over for Scott Stuber as Netflix’s top film boss. Lin begins his new role April 1 and will report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer.
The replacement came rather quick as insiders at the streamer figured the hiring process would take months, with Netflix’s feature slate for the next year being set in stone.
Sean Bailey’s name had been floated, but the former Disney Live-Action Motion Picture production boss didn’t take the job; there also was word that former Universal and DreamWorks chief Stacey Snider had a sit-down with Ted Sarandos. Also there was buzz that Netflix would promote from within for Stuber’s job; that didn’t happen.
Lin is already in business with Netflix as the executive producer of their successful new series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which launched on February 22. He also produced...
The replacement came rather quick as insiders at the streamer figured the hiring process would take months, with Netflix’s feature slate for the next year being set in stone.
Sean Bailey’s name had been floated, but the former Disney Live-Action Motion Picture production boss didn’t take the job; there also was word that former Universal and DreamWorks chief Stacey Snider had a sit-down with Ted Sarandos. Also there was buzz that Netflix would promote from within for Stuber’s job; that didn’t happen.
Lin is already in business with Netflix as the executive producer of their successful new series Avatar: The Last Airbender, which launched on February 22. He also produced...
- 2/28/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Dan Lin, the producer behind the Lego movies and the new live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, has been tapped as the new head of film for Netflix, according to sources.
Lin steps into the role vacated by Scott Stuber, who announced in January he would step down in March.
Lin’s name had been in the mix since the early days of the headhunting, along with former Disney executive Sean Bailey and Twilight producer Wyck Godfrey, among a handful of others. Bailey seemed like the choice until he wasn’t, with the Feb. 26 shake-up at Disney resulting in his departure after a 15-year run at the Burbank-based studio.
Making a deal with Lin was not a slam dunk. Lin remained strongly tied to Rideback, his prolific production company, and Rideback Rise, his equally robust nonprofit endeavor. The two entities proved to be stumbling blocks on previous occasions when...
Lin steps into the role vacated by Scott Stuber, who announced in January he would step down in March.
Lin’s name had been in the mix since the early days of the headhunting, along with former Disney executive Sean Bailey and Twilight producer Wyck Godfrey, among a handful of others. Bailey seemed like the choice until he wasn’t, with the Feb. 26 shake-up at Disney resulting in his departure after a 15-year run at the Burbank-based studio.
Making a deal with Lin was not a slam dunk. Lin remained strongly tied to Rideback, his prolific production company, and Rideback Rise, his equally robust nonprofit endeavor. The two entities proved to be stumbling blocks on previous occasions when...
- 2/28/2024
- by Borys Kit and Kim Masters
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 11-Oscar nominated saucy absurdist comedy, Poor Things, from Disney’s Searchlight, is hitting Hulu on March 7 days before the Oscar ceremony on March 10.
The news comes in the wake of the movie crossing the $100M mark at the global box office. As Deadline told you, Searchlight co-head David Greenbaum became President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios recently, taking over for Sean Bailey who is departing the studio. Stateside, Poor Things which is from director Yorgos Lanthimos has almost made as much stateside as his previous Searchlight Oscar winning title, The Favorite, $32.9M to $34.3M — pretty good for an R-rated arthouse movie nowadays.
The movie, which stars and is produced by Emma Stone, features her as Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking,...
The news comes in the wake of the movie crossing the $100M mark at the global box office. As Deadline told you, Searchlight co-head David Greenbaum became President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios recently, taking over for Sean Bailey who is departing the studio. Stateside, Poor Things which is from director Yorgos Lanthimos has almost made as much stateside as his previous Searchlight Oscar winning title, The Favorite, $32.9M to $34.3M — pretty good for an R-rated arthouse movie nowadays.
The movie, which stars and is produced by Emma Stone, features her as Bella Baxter (Stone), a young woman brought back to life by the brilliant and unorthodox scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe). Under Baxter’s protection, Bella is eager to learn. Hungry for the worldliness she is lacking,...
- 2/28/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
We’re almost into March of 2024, and Disney has been taking a long, hard look at itself after the disastrous 2023. When two of the most seemingly slam-dunk, profitable IPs are under your umbrella, business should be good, but alas, both Star Wars and Marvel have been plummeting in profits and reception for the House of Mouse. Bob Iger has been adamant about pulling back on the output of the franchise projects so as to not oversaturate the market. Additionally, the streaming service, Disney+, has seen a significant dip in subscribers after they lost 1.3 million accounts once they raised the prices. They have reportedly taken $300 million in streaming losses.
Variety has reported a big shake-up is now happening to the company as Disney now replaces Sean Bailey, who has been the motion picture group’s president of production for the past 15 years. David Greenbaum will now be stepping in as the...
Variety has reported a big shake-up is now happening to the company as Disney now replaces Sean Bailey, who has been the motion picture group’s president of production for the past 15 years. David Greenbaum will now be stepping in as the...
- 2/27/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Big news for the Mouse House. Longtime Walt Disney Studios president Sean Bailey is departing the studio. Bailey, who has been in the position for 15 years, is leaving effective immediately. David Greenbaum, the co-head of Searchlight Pictures, is taking over. And not only is he taking over Disney Studios, but 20th Century Studios as well.
Read More: PGA, Spirit and SAG Awards spark final Oscar voting weekend
In a statement, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman noted, “David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry.
Continue reading Big Changes At Walt Disney Studios: Sean Bailey Out, David Greenbaum In at The Playlist.
Read More: PGA, Spirit and SAG Awards spark final Oscar voting weekend
In a statement, Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman noted, “David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry.
Continue reading Big Changes At Walt Disney Studios: Sean Bailey Out, David Greenbaum In at The Playlist.
- 2/26/2024
- by Gregory Ellwood
- The Playlist
In a major shake up to Disney’s film team, Sean Bailey, who has been with Disney for 15 years, is exiting the company, effective immediately. David Greenbaum, the co-head of Searchlight Pictures, has been named president of Disney Live-Action and of 20th Century Studios, taking control of both brands in a combined division of its live-action films.
Greenbaum will have oversight over projects for both theatrical and streaming and will lead the newly combined studio group, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Remaining in his role as 20th Century Studios president is Steve Asbell; Matthew Greenfield will take sole control of Searchlight Pictures as president.
Bailey will segue to a producer role on Disney’s “Tron: Ares,” as well as other projects.
“David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his...
Greenbaum will have oversight over projects for both theatrical and streaming and will lead the newly combined studio group, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Remaining in his role as 20th Century Studios president is Steve Asbell; Matthew Greenfield will take sole control of Searchlight Pictures as president.
Bailey will segue to a producer role on Disney’s “Tron: Ares,” as well as other projects.
“David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his...
- 2/26/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Sean Bailey, the producer turned executive who has overseen Walt Disney Studios’ live-action division for almost 15 years, is exiting the studio.
In his place, David Greenbaum, who ran Searchlight Pictures with Matthew Greenfield, will take over in a newly created role of president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios. Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Steve Asbell continues to oversee 20th Century Studios as president while Greenfield takes sole oversight of Searchlight as president.
Per the studio’s announcement Monday, in this new role Greenbaum will lead “a combined studio group that will be home to both iconic film brands, producing a robust collection of original and legacy projects unique to each for theatrical and streaming, while increasing collaboration across the production slate.”
The move is a jump for Greenbaum, who has demonstrated a strong record in the prestige filmmaking space, along with his partner Greenfield.
In his place, David Greenbaum, who ran Searchlight Pictures with Matthew Greenfield, will take over in a newly created role of president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios. Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Steve Asbell continues to oversee 20th Century Studios as president while Greenfield takes sole oversight of Searchlight as president.
Per the studio’s announcement Monday, in this new role Greenbaum will lead “a combined studio group that will be home to both iconic film brands, producing a robust collection of original and legacy projects unique to each for theatrical and streaming, while increasing collaboration across the production slate.”
The move is a jump for Greenbaum, who has demonstrated a strong record in the prestige filmmaking space, along with his partner Greenfield.
- 2/26/2024
- by Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney executive Sean Bailey is exiting after 15 years as the motion picture group’s president of production. He’ll be replaced by Searchlight’s chief David Greenbaum, who has been named to the newly created role of president of Live Action and 20th Century Studios.
In his new post, effective immediately, Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. This shakeup merges two of Disney’s film divisions: live-action (responsible for remakes and spinoffs of the studio’s classics) and 20th Century Studios.
“David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry,” Bergman said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that he’ll be taking on this new and important role.”
Bailey, who has overseen Disney’s live-action slate since...
In his new post, effective immediately, Greenbaum will report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. This shakeup merges two of Disney’s film divisions: live-action (responsible for remakes and spinoffs of the studio’s classics) and 20th Century Studios.
“David has an incredible creative sensibility and eye for film, and he has built a reputation as an exceptional leader and creative executive, as proven by his track record at Searchlight Pictures and deep relationships throughout the industry,” Bergman said in a statement. “I’m thrilled that he’ll be taking on this new and important role.”
Bailey, who has overseen Disney’s live-action slate since...
- 2/26/2024
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Effective immediately, Walt Disney’s President of Motion Picture Studios Sean Bailey, who turned the company’s animation vault into a multibillion-dollar live-action movie business, is departing after 15 years on the lot. Searchlight co-president David Greenbaum will take on a newly created role. He’ll be president of Disney Live action and president of 20th Century Studios.
Greenbaum’s new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He’ll report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Steve Asbell will continue to serve as President, 20th Century Studios, a role he’s had since March 2020. He will report to Greenbaum.
This splits up the Searchlight Pictures executive team of Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, two of the most highly regarded execs in the prestige film space who right now have Poor Things squarely in the Best Picture race and other Oscar categories. That duo succeeded longtime leaders Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley,...
Greenbaum’s new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He’ll report to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Steve Asbell will continue to serve as President, 20th Century Studios, a role he’s had since March 2020. He will report to Greenbaum.
This splits up the Searchlight Pictures executive team of Greenbaum and Matthew Greenfield, two of the most highly regarded execs in the prestige film space who right now have Poor Things squarely in the Best Picture race and other Oscar categories. That duo succeeded longtime leaders Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley,...
- 2/26/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro and Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s president of motion picture studios Sean Bailey has departed the company and will be replaced by Searchlight Pictures co-president David Greenbaum.
Bailey had been at the studio for 15 years and is credited as the architect behind the lucrative business of turning animated classics from the vault into live-action hits like The Lion King, Beauty And The Beast and The Jungle Book – all of which grossed more than $1bn worldwide.
Greenbaum, who has run Searchlight alongside Matthew Greenfield, becomes president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Greenbaum will lead a combined...
Bailey had been at the studio for 15 years and is credited as the architect behind the lucrative business of turning animated classics from the vault into live-action hits like The Lion King, Beauty And The Beast and The Jungle Book – all of which grossed more than $1bn worldwide.
Greenbaum, who has run Searchlight alongside Matthew Greenfield, becomes president, Disney live action and 20th Century Studios, reporting to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Greenbaum will lead a combined...
- 2/26/2024
- ScreenDaily
“It was a dream job. Except it was the job from hell.”
That was the assessment of Michael Ovitz after he was anointed, then dis-anointed, as president of Disney in 1995. The “dream job” lasted barely over a year.
Some insiders reflect on the Ovitz embarrassment in the context of the present decision at Netflix. Scott Stuber’s dream job as chief of film is vacant. Interviews with successors are underway. Some guess it will be an internal promotion; a few outsiders like Disney’s Sean Bailey are rumored to be candidates.
“Will it be an opportunity or a trap?” asks one Hollywood CEO, who, like other power players, is weighing the post-Stuber challenges. The Stuber gig allegedly pays between $15 million-$20 million a year and empowers green lights for as many as 40 films – less than half of Netflix’ 2021 output but still more than that of prolific MGM in Irving Thalberg’s prime.
That was the assessment of Michael Ovitz after he was anointed, then dis-anointed, as president of Disney in 1995. The “dream job” lasted barely over a year.
Some insiders reflect on the Ovitz embarrassment in the context of the present decision at Netflix. Scott Stuber’s dream job as chief of film is vacant. Interviews with successors are underway. Some guess it will be an internal promotion; a few outsiders like Disney’s Sean Bailey are rumored to be candidates.
“Will it be an opportunity or a trap?” asks one Hollywood CEO, who, like other power players, is weighing the post-Stuber challenges. The Stuber gig allegedly pays between $15 million-$20 million a year and empowers green lights for as many as 40 films – less than half of Netflix’ 2021 output but still more than that of prolific MGM in Irving Thalberg’s prime.
- 2/16/2024
- by Peter Bart
- Deadline Film + TV
In 2014, Nancy Dolan — manager of creative music marketing at Disney — was denied a promotion to director over the objections of her supervisor, president of music Mitchell Leib, who said she was “worth her weight in gold.” He urged higher-ups to reconsider the decision.
“Nancy back-filled and took over the entire position of an EVP more than three years ago for a fraction of the cost and is invaluable to me,” Mitchell wrote in an email to Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, according to newly unsealed court filings in a pay bias lawsuit against the company.
Pointing to “terrible scores” in an employee satisfaction survey among women frustrated with opportunities for career advancement, Mitchell added, “You need only look at Nancy to see the inequity.” He stressed he had a “hard time believing that my impression of what’s just for Nancy could be skewed from...
“Nancy back-filled and took over the entire position of an EVP more than three years ago for a fraction of the cost and is invaluable to me,” Mitchell wrote in an email to Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, according to newly unsealed court filings in a pay bias lawsuit against the company.
Pointing to “terrible scores” in an employee satisfaction survey among women frustrated with opportunities for career advancement, Mitchell added, “You need only look at Nancy to see the inequity.” He stressed he had a “hard time believing that my impression of what’s just for Nancy could be skewed from...
- 12/15/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bob Iger likely wishes 2023 looked a lot more like 2019.
In a document dump this week for the recently class-action-certified pay-equity suits against Disney, the Mouse House CEO’s 2019 corporate self-evaluation was among the papers placed in the Los Angeles Superior Court’s docket.
“In 2019, Disney was awarded an A+ as one of ‘America’s Most Trustworthy Public Companies’ and was #1 in a ‘Brand Intimacy Study’ recognizing the power in building bonds with consumers,” reads the bullet-point evaluation Iger wrote four years ago to the Disney board. “The company was also named one of the ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ by Fortune and one of the world’s ‘Most Reputable Companies’ by Forbes. Fast Company ranked Disney as the #1 ‘Most Innovative Company’ in Media.”
Those accolades were added to by Iger himself, who also noted: “In fiscal 2019, we prepared for the historical launch of Disney+. We successfully executed a highly-anticipated Investor...
In a document dump this week for the recently class-action-certified pay-equity suits against Disney, the Mouse House CEO’s 2019 corporate self-evaluation was among the papers placed in the Los Angeles Superior Court’s docket.
“In 2019, Disney was awarded an A+ as one of ‘America’s Most Trustworthy Public Companies’ and was #1 in a ‘Brand Intimacy Study’ recognizing the power in building bonds with consumers,” reads the bullet-point evaluation Iger wrote four years ago to the Disney board. “The company was also named one of the ‘World’s Most Admired Companies’ by Fortune and one of the world’s ‘Most Reputable Companies’ by Forbes. Fast Company ranked Disney as the #1 ‘Most Innovative Company’ in Media.”
Those accolades were added to by Iger himself, who also noted: “In fiscal 2019, we prepared for the historical launch of Disney+. We successfully executed a highly-anticipated Investor...
- 12/15/2023
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Deadline has learned that Thomas Augsberger, Eden Rock Media founder, producer and international media consultant died suddenly today at his Hollywood Hills home. He was 60 years old.
The German-born and trained attorney advised a number of high-profile media clients over the years, most prominently Germany’s Leonine Studios. Prior to Leonine, Augsberger served 23 years as an advisor to Dr. Herbert Kloiber‘s Tele Muenchen Group as Tmg’s exclusive North American representative in the US.
In 2002, he founded Eden Rock Media, a film and television production company and media consulting business.
Augsberger was widely respected for his deep experience in the production and acquisition of feature films, television series, and content libraries; investments in US distributors and production companies; the co-financing, co-production, and distribution of film, television, and digital projects; and the negotiation of German output deals with studios for theatrical, home entertainment, and television. Over the course of his 26-year consulting career,...
The German-born and trained attorney advised a number of high-profile media clients over the years, most prominently Germany’s Leonine Studios. Prior to Leonine, Augsberger served 23 years as an advisor to Dr. Herbert Kloiber‘s Tele Muenchen Group as Tmg’s exclusive North American representative in the US.
In 2002, he founded Eden Rock Media, a film and television production company and media consulting business.
Augsberger was widely respected for his deep experience in the production and acquisition of feature films, television series, and content libraries; investments in US distributors and production companies; the co-financing, co-production, and distribution of film, television, and digital projects; and the negotiation of German output deals with studios for theatrical, home entertainment, and television. Over the course of his 26-year consulting career,...
- 11/29/2023
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
It took nearly three decades, but the highly anticipated "Hocus Pocus" sequel finally arrived last year, just in time for Halloween. But there's even more good news for longtime fans of the spooky franchise: a third movie is officially in the works at Disney. That's right, Walt Disney Pictures president Sean Bailey shared the announcement himself in a New York Times profile published on June 4.
The publication noted that "Hocus Pocus 3" is, indeed, happening, while Bailey discussed the 50-plus movies in development and production at the company - which include upcoming live-action versions of "Moana" and "Lilo and Stitch."
No other details about the third "Hocus Pocus" were revealed at the time, including whether or not all the Sanderson sisters - Winnie (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) - will return to reprise their roles. However, screenwriter Jen D'Angelo dropped some hints in an October interview with Entertainment Weekly,...
The publication noted that "Hocus Pocus 3" is, indeed, happening, while Bailey discussed the 50-plus movies in development and production at the company - which include upcoming live-action versions of "Moana" and "Lilo and Stitch."
No other details about the third "Hocus Pocus" were revealed at the time, including whether or not all the Sanderson sisters - Winnie (Bette Midler), Mary (Kathy Najimy), and Sarah (Sarah Jessica Parker) - will return to reprise their roles. However, screenwriter Jen D'Angelo dropped some hints in an October interview with Entertainment Weekly,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Amanda Prahl
- Popsugar.com
Actress Tessa Thompson has officially joined the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees.
The “Creed” actress and producer, along with documentarian Pete Nicks and producers Nina Fialkow and Kimberly Steward, comprise the new additions to the Board. Per an official press release, the foursome are now among the “leaders who guide and steer the entire organization and also act in an advisory capacity.”
Thompson said in a statement, “Both the Sundance Film Festival and the Institute have served as an artistic home for me throughout my career. I’m proud to expand this journey by joining the board to eagerly serve a community that has been so incredibly impactful to me and countless others.”
The new trustees will closely work with Board Chair Ebs Burnough and CEO Joana Vicente to usher in the next wave of rising filmmakers.
“As Sundance Institute continues to respond to the needs of independent artists,...
The “Creed” actress and producer, along with documentarian Pete Nicks and producers Nina Fialkow and Kimberly Steward, comprise the new additions to the Board. Per an official press release, the foursome are now among the “leaders who guide and steer the entire organization and also act in an advisory capacity.”
Thompson said in a statement, “Both the Sundance Film Festival and the Institute have served as an artistic home for me throughout my career. I’m proud to expand this journey by joining the board to eagerly serve a community that has been so incredibly impactful to me and countless others.”
The new trustees will closely work with Board Chair Ebs Burnough and CEO Joana Vicente to usher in the next wave of rising filmmakers.
“As Sundance Institute continues to respond to the needs of independent artists,...
- 10/19/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The nonprofit Sundance Institute today announced four newly appointed additions to the Institute’s Board of Trustees. Tessa Thompson, Pete Nicks, Nina Fialkow, and Kimberly Steward have joined the leaders who guide the entire organization and also act in an advisory capacity. They add to the Institute’s Board of values-based leaders, building an enduring, evolving community for storytellers. The distinguished new Trustees will work closely with Board Chair Ebs Burnough and CEO Joana Vicente and bring invaluable experience.
“As Sundance Institute continues to respond to the needs of independent artists, we welcome these new members of our Board, each of whom has an incredible commitment to independent film and a long history with the Institute,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough. “Together, the Board is poised to identify new and strengthened ways to uplift independent storytellers.”
“We are so pleased to have Tessa, Pete, Nina, and Kimberly join...
“As Sundance Institute continues to respond to the needs of independent artists, we welcome these new members of our Board, each of whom has an incredible commitment to independent film and a long history with the Institute,” said Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough. “Together, the Board is poised to identify new and strengthened ways to uplift independent storytellers.”
“We are so pleased to have Tessa, Pete, Nina, and Kimberly join...
- 10/19/2023
- by Valerie Complex
- Deadline Film + TV
The 'Pirates of the Caribbean 6' script is so "weird" the writer is shocked Disney bought it.Craig Mazin has collaborated with Ted Elliott - who co-wrote the first four movies in the swashbuckling franchise - on the upcoming sixth instalment, although plans are on hold due to the ongoing writers and actors strikes in Hollywood.Mazin told the Los Angeles Times newspaper: "We pitched it and thought there’s no way they’re buying it, it’s too weird."And they did! And then he wrote a fantastic script and the strike happened and everyone’s waiting around.”Leading man Johnny Depp was axed as Jack Sparrow 2018 in an attempt to bring a "new energy" to the franchise but Disney Studios Motion Picture president Sean Bailey did not rule out a potential return for the 60-year-old actor.In an interview with The New York Times newspaper, Bailey...
- 9/6/2023
- by Alistair McGeorge
- Bang Showbiz
'Pirates of the Caribbean' star Vince Lozano has called for Johnny Depp to return as Captain Jack Sparrow.The actor starred as pirate Jacoby in the franchise's original 2003 movie 'Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl' and feels that Depp "deserves" a chance to reprise the lead role now his legal disputes with ex-wife Amber Heard are over.Vince told MovieWeb: "I think he deserves another shot as Jack, but I don't think it's going to happen, I'm hearing a lot of stories out there."The audience is there though. I do a lot of pirate conventions and there's such a big subculture of people that dress up like pirates, and they love Johnny."Depp was axed as Jack Sparrow by Disney in 2018 in an attempt to bring a "new energy" to the franchise but Disney Studios Motion Picture president Sean Bailey did...
- 8/23/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Each time I revisit the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie, I find myself momentarily surprised when Zoe Saldaña enters the screen. “Oh right, I forgot she was in this,” I say, before wondering why she never returned for any of the sequels. Saldaña played Anamaria, a pirate and smuggler recruited by Jack Sparrow. She also had a little unfinished business with Jack, as he had “borrowed” her ship and sunk it.
While speaking with BBC Radio 1 (before the SAG-AFTRA strike began), Zoe Saldaña explained why she never returned for any of the Pirates of the Caribbean sequels. “I really had a not-so-good experience because of just the poor management at that time, and Jerry Bruckheimer knows this, we spoke about it eventually,” Saldaña said. “I think he read somewhere where I had expressed my discomfort and disappointment, and years later he apologized, which felt really quite honourable actually,...
While speaking with BBC Radio 1 (before the SAG-AFTRA strike began), Zoe Saldaña explained why she never returned for any of the Pirates of the Caribbean sequels. “I really had a not-so-good experience because of just the poor management at that time, and Jerry Bruckheimer knows this, we spoke about it eventually,” Saldaña said. “I think he read somewhere where I had expressed my discomfort and disappointment, and years later he apologized, which felt really quite honourable actually,...
- 8/11/2023
- by Kevin Fraser
- JoBlo.com
Another Hocus Pocus is in the works.
Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, confirmed in an interview with The New York Times that Hocus Pocus 3 is happening.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Anne Fletcher and Jen D’Angelo will be returning to direct and write, respectively, after collaborating on Hocus Pocus 2.
It comes as little surprise given the success of last year’s sequel, which set a record for an opening weekend by a movie on a streamer with 2.7 billion minutes viewed. Overall, the film landed at No. 5 on the most-streamed movies of 2022 with a total of 5.7 billion minutes viewed.
While the first film was not a box office hit, it became a cult hit over the years thanks to airings on basic cable.
The third film would follow Kenny Ortega’s 1993 original and last year’s Fletcher-directed sequel, both of which starred Bette Midler,...
Sean Bailey, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, confirmed in an interview with The New York Times that Hocus Pocus 3 is happening.
The Hollywood Reporter has learned that Anne Fletcher and Jen D’Angelo will be returning to direct and write, respectively, after collaborating on Hocus Pocus 2.
It comes as little surprise given the success of last year’s sequel, which set a record for an opening weekend by a movie on a streamer with 2.7 billion minutes viewed. Overall, the film landed at No. 5 on the most-streamed movies of 2022 with a total of 5.7 billion minutes viewed.
While the first film was not a box office hit, it became a cult hit over the years thanks to airings on basic cable.
The third film would follow Kenny Ortega’s 1993 original and last year’s Fletcher-directed sequel, both of which starred Bette Midler,...
- 6/7/2023
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“Hocus Pocus 3” is casting its spell.
Following Sunday’s announcement that the Disney+ sequel from last fall is now getting a sequel of its own, TheWrap has learned that film’s director Anne Fletcher and writer Jen D’Angelo will be returning to the witchy franchise.
The news of a new “Hocus Pocus” sequel, after last year’s surprisingly enjoyable follow-up to the 1993 Disney classic, came during a profile of Walt Disney Studios president Sean Bailey in The New York Times. Bailey confirmed that there was another film in development — although, at the time, not much else was known.
It’s currently unclear, for instance, if original stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker will be back for “Hocus Pocus 3,” or if other actors from the first film who skipped “Hocus Pocus 2” will return for the new movie. Another looming question: whether the new movie will go straight...
Following Sunday’s announcement that the Disney+ sequel from last fall is now getting a sequel of its own, TheWrap has learned that film’s director Anne Fletcher and writer Jen D’Angelo will be returning to the witchy franchise.
The news of a new “Hocus Pocus” sequel, after last year’s surprisingly enjoyable follow-up to the 1993 Disney classic, came during a profile of Walt Disney Studios president Sean Bailey in The New York Times. Bailey confirmed that there was another film in development — although, at the time, not much else was known.
It’s currently unclear, for instance, if original stars Bette Midler, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker will be back for “Hocus Pocus 3,” or if other actors from the first film who skipped “Hocus Pocus 2” will return for the new movie. Another looming question: whether the new movie will go straight...
- 6/7/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Check out The Wounded Storyteller, E. T. A. Hoffmann’s classic tales of Gothic horror and fantasy are presented in a new translation accompanying the beguiling drawings of Natalie Frank.
“E. T. A. Hoffmann (1776–1822) was one of the greatest German Romantic authors of fantasy and a pioneer in the genre we now call Gothic horror. His innovative stories explore ideas of madness, genius, doppelgängers, artificial intelligence, and the boundaries between realities and dreams. Artist Natalie Frank and leading fairy-tale scholar Jack Zipes have joined forces in this lavishly illustrated volume of five of Hoffmann’s most influential tales: The Golden Pot, The Sandman, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, The Mystifying Child, and The Mines of Falun. In addition to offering fresh translations, Zipes introduces the project and sheds light on how Hoffmann’s lifetime of personal traumas shaped his writing.”
Get your copy here
Anya Taylor-Joy has taken Hollywood...
“E. T. A. Hoffmann (1776–1822) was one of the greatest German Romantic authors of fantasy and a pioneer in the genre we now call Gothic horror. His innovative stories explore ideas of madness, genius, doppelgängers, artificial intelligence, and the boundaries between realities and dreams. Artist Natalie Frank and leading fairy-tale scholar Jack Zipes have joined forces in this lavishly illustrated volume of five of Hoffmann’s most influential tales: The Golden Pot, The Sandman, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, The Mystifying Child, and The Mines of Falun. In addition to offering fresh translations, Zipes introduces the project and sheds light on how Hoffmann’s lifetime of personal traumas shaped his writing.”
Get your copy here
Anya Taylor-Joy has taken Hollywood...
- 6/5/2023
- by Lee Parham
- Den of Geek
The new Pirates of the Caribbean reboot seems to be buried in a dead man’s chest, with Disney still looking for a way to open it. The film series that has been successfully adapted from a Disneyland theme park ride with a total of five films is one of the most lucrative franchises for the House of Mouse. It stands to reason that the studio is itching to revive it in some form. However, one of the tougher bumps to get over is the status of the star that has been associated with the series, Johnny Depp. Depp has been through a very public trial with his ex-wife, Amber Heard, which has tarnished his public image no matter where you stand.
MovieWeb reports on the New York Time‘s recent interview with Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production president Sean Bailey, who hopes to get a reboot or sequel greenlit soon.
MovieWeb reports on the New York Time‘s recent interview with Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production president Sean Bailey, who hopes to get a reboot or sequel greenlit soon.
- 6/5/2023
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
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