In a significant move for the animation world, Walt Disney Animation Studios has appointed Academy Award-winning filmmaker Jared Bush as its new Chief Creative Officer (CCO), effective immediately. This appointment follows the decision by Jennifer Lee, the studio’s previous CCO, to step back from her leadership role to focus full-time on filmmaking and overseeing the immensely popular ‘Frozen’ franchise.
Bush, a veteran of Disney Animation for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience to the CCO position. He is best known for his work as director and writer on the critically acclaimed ‘Encanto,’ which won an Academy Award in 2022. He also served as an executive producer on the Oscar-nominated ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’ in the same year. In his new role, Bush will be responsible for guiding the creative vision of the studio, overseeing all aspects of its film, series, and related projects.
Lee, who has held the CCO position since 2018, will shift her attention to the next chapter of the ‘Frozen’ franchise. She is set to direct and write ‘Frozen 3’ and co-write ‘Frozen 4’ with Marc Smith, while also serving as executive producer for the latter. The ‘Frozen’ franchise holds immense value for Disney, having become a global phenomenon. The original ‘Frozen’ film captivated audiences worldwide, grossing over $1.3 billion and generating billions in merchandise sales. Its success led to a Broadway musical adaptation and the introduction of ‘Frozen’ attractions at Disney theme parks. ‘Frozen 2,’ released in 2019 and directed by Lee and Chris Buck, further solidified the franchise’s popularity, earning $1.4 billion at the box office.
This leadership change signals Disney’s ongoing commitment to its animation division, which has consistently proven to be a major revenue driver and a powerful force in shaping the studio’s brand identity. As Disney continues to navigate the evolving entertainment landscape, its animation division remains a critical component of its strategy, and this appointment signifies a continued focus on producing high-quality, captivating content for audiences worldwide.
