Disney President Abruptly Exits Studio in Massive Shakeup

A major shakeup at Disney has reportedly been revealed.

Per Deadline, Sean Bailey has made a sudden exit from his role as President of Walt Disney Motion Picture Studios. His exit comes after spending 15 years with the House of Mouse. Also reported is that Searchlight Co-President David Greenbaum has stepped in to take Bailey’s place. Greenbaum has been given the new title of President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. Above Greenbaum will be Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman, while 20th Century Studios President Steve Asbell will report to Greenbaum.

Disney Reveals Why Moana Sequel Series Was Turned Into Theatrical Film

Moana 2 began life as a nearly-completed Disney+ TV series before Disney CEO Bob Iger turned it into a full-fledged theatrical sequel.

Sean Bailey Will Still Work With Disney on Tron: Ares

Meanwhile, it’s been rumored that Sean Bailey was set to take over Scott Stuber’s Netflix’s film job, but that’s reportedly not going to happen.While Bailey has stepped down, he will continue to work with Disney on a project that is currently in production. After starting his work with Disney by producing the 2010 film Tron Legacy, Bailey will serve as a producer on the upcoming movie Tron: Ares. His involvement was addressed by Bergman in a statement.

“Sean has been an incredibly important member of the Studio’s creative team for well over a decade,” Bergman said. “He and his team have brought to the screen iconic stories and moments that have delighted fans around the world and will stand the test of time. I know he’ll continue to do great things, and I couldn’t be happier that he’s staying on as a producer of Tron: Ares.”

‘A Hero to All’: Disney Star Auli’i Cravalho Talks Moana’s Expanding Universe

Moana voice actor Auli’i Cravalho opens up about the 2016 Disney film becoming a franchise but remains coy about the forthcoming live-action remake.

Bailey added, “These 15 years at Disney have been an incredible journey, but the time is right for a new chapter. I’m deeply grateful to my exceptional team and proud of the slate and history we’ve built together. I joined Disney while producing Tron: Legacy, so it seems fitting that I will have the opportunity to work on the latest Tron as I depart. I wish Bob Iger, Alan Bergman, and all my amazing colleagues the very best for a bright future.”

Under Bailey’s watch, Disney movies have garnered around $7 billion in global box office revenue. That includes recent live-action remakes of animated Disney hits, such as Beauty and the Best, Aladdin, and The Jungle Book, all of which made big money in theaters. He had also overseen the movies that were made for Disney+, such as the live-action Lady and the Tramp and Pinocchio remakes, as well as the movie sequels Disenchanted and Hocus Pocus 2.

“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 also stated, addressing the potential that Disney sees in Greenbaum. “I’m thrilled that he’ll be taking on this new and important role. We’ve had the great fortune to have a strong creative leader in Steve Asbell at 20th Century, and I’m excited for him to work closely with David as we take a more strategic look across both brands from a creative and operational standpoint. I also want to thank Sean Bailey for his many contributions and leadership over his tenure at Disney. Searchlight remains in excellent hands under the guidance of Matthew Greenfield.”

Greenbaum would also state, “I want to thank Bob Iger and Alan Bergman for the extraordinary opportunity to continue the legacy of fabled and groundbreaking storytelling at both Disney and 20th Century – it’s an honor and responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I’m eager to get to work with Steve Asbell and the teams. At the same time, the last 14 years working alongside and in partnership with my dear friend and colleague Matthew Greenfield have been unforgettable – Searchlight and the incredible team there remain the gold standard for quality in our business, and I look forward to watching their continued success in the years to come.”

Source: Deadline