Sean Bailey, the Man Behind Disney’s Live-Action Remake Strategy, Has Left The Walt Disney Company
In a stunning development, Walt Disney’s President of Motion Picture Studios, Sean Bailey, is leaving the company effective immediately after a 15-year run.
Bailey will be remembered as the man who spearheaded the creation of Disney’s live-action remakes, among other things. Following the success of Maleficent in 2014 and Cinderella in 2015, live-action remakes became a staple of Disney’s release schedule.
While Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King all managed to cross the $1 billion mark at the box office, recent releases, including Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Cruella, and The Little Mermaid, have not fared as well.
A Full Circle Moment
Bailey originally joined Disney in 2010 as the producer of Tron: Legacy. In a full circle moment, Bailey will stay on to produce the upcoming Tron: Ares before moving on to entrepreneurial opportunities.
“Sean has been an incredibly important member of the studio’s creative team for well over a decade,” said Disney Entertainment co-chair Alan Bergman. “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.”
According to Deadline, despite speculation, Bailey will not be replacing Scott Stuber as the head of Netflix.
“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,” said Bailey. “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.”
Enter David Greenbaum
Bailey will be replaced by Searchlight co-president David Greenbaum, whose new title will be President, Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios. He will report directly to Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman. Current 20th Century Studios president Steve Asbell will report to Greenbaum.
Greenbaum previously co-ran Searchlight with Matthew Greenfield. The studio’s Poor Things has recently proven to be a box office hit and a critical darling by scoring a Best Picture Oscar nomination, becoming Searchlight’s seventh nominee in a row.
Changes Are Afoot at Disney
In his new role, Greenbaum will continue to lead Searchlight in addition to his new responsibilities. Disney is hoping that his working relationship with cutting-edge filmmakers will bring a breath of fresh air to Disney’s live-action motion pictures. While Bailey focused on remakes and franchises, Greenfield’s calling card has been original, director-driven films.
“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.
“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’s Response
For his part, Greenbaum sounded thrilled with his new role.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
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