Jon Watts Signs First-Look Deal With Disney
Jon Watts is no stranger to The Walt Disney Company, having previously directed the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Spider-Man trilogy and serving as an Executive Producer on the upcoming Disney+ series Star Wars: Skeleton Crew.
Photo: Disney
Now, however, the relationship between Watts and Disney is about to get even closer.
Watts and Disney Sign a First-Look Deal
According to a new report from Deadline, Watts and his production company Freshman Year have signed a first-look feature deal with Disney that will see the Hollywood luminary director feature-length projects for Disney live-action and 20th Century Studios. The agreement will also give Watts the option to produce.
In addition to his MCU work, Watts has been busy writing, directing, and producing Wolfs, a thriller starring George Clooney and Brat Pitt. He has also served as Executive Producer on the FX/Hulu series The Old Man, which just released its second season.
Photo: Los Angeles Times
“Jon Watts is a truly gifted filmmaker who brings spectacle, humor, and heart to whatever he does,” said the president of Disney live-action and 20th Century Studios, David Greenbaum. “I am so excited to work with him and his producing partner Dianne McGunigle on a slate of upcoming projects for Disney and 20th.”
Another Win For David Greenbaum
The deal with Watts is just the latest example of Greembaum’s desire to partner with Hollywood’s biggest creative forces. Previously, Disney reached a similar deal with Dwayne Johnson.
(Photo by Frazer Harrison/WireImage)
Greenbaum made a name for himself, delivering artistic films for Searchlight Pictures and forging relationships with filmmakers. These qualities led to his promotion to head of Disney live-action earlier this year.
“I’ve already had an incredible experience working with Alan Bergman, Kathy Kennedy, Kevin Feige and the rest of the Disney team and I’m thrilled to now be partnering with the brilliantly creative David Greenbaum,” Watts told Deadline.
Photo: Variety
“David has exceptional taste and deep filmmaking knowledge. I’m excited to work with him and his team to create memorable, director-driven theatrical experiences.”
