Jared Bush Has Been Named CCO of Walt Disney Animation as Jennifer Lee Steps Down to Focus on ‘Frozen’
In what can only be described as a shocking development, Jennifer Lee is stepping down as the chief creative officer of the Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The Frozen writer and director was named COO following John Lasseter’s departure in 2018. Given the historic success of Frozen, Lee seemed like the perfect person to lead Walt Disney Animation forward.
The next six years, however, would prove to be difficult. Things started off well for Lee when Encanto was a massive hit despite the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo: Disney+
When Disney returned to theaters following the pandemic, however, Disney animation struggled. 2022’s Strange World was an unmitigated disaster, and 2023’s Wish, which was promoted as the culmination of 100 years of Disney storytelling, underperformed badly.
Photo: DIsney+
It should be noted that the upcoming Moana 2 (developed under Lee’s reign) looks like it will be a massive hit for Disney.
Lee Is Returning to ‘Frozen’
While Lee will no longer lead Walt Disney Animation Studios, she is not leaving Disney altogether. Instead, Lee will return to filmmaking full-time and continue to head the Frozen franchise.
The Hollywood Reporter
To this end, she will direct and write Frozen 3 and Frozen 4.
Enter Jared Bush
Filling the void left by Lee’s reassignment will be Zootopia writer-director Jared Bush.
“Jared Bush is an incredible filmmaker and a talented executive who’s been a prominent creative force at Disney Animation for the past decade, and I am thrilled that he’ll be taking the reins of this storied studio,” Disney Entertainment co-chair Alan Bergman said in a statement.
Photo: D23
“I also want to thank Jennifer Lee for her passionate leadership of the studio over the past several years. She’s made an indelible mark on both Disney Animation and the industry. I know she has so many more stories to tell, and there is truly no one better suited to oversee the continuation of the beloved story of Frozen.”
Bush’s Pattern of Success
Bush is a longtime Disney creative. In addition to writing and co-directing Zootopia, he was credited with penning the screenplay for Moana and writing/directing Encanto. He also wrote the upcoming Moana 2 and is once again serving as writer and director on Zootopia 2.
Photo: D23
“I am so deeply grateful to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman for their faith in me, and thankful to Jennifer for her leadership and for her generous support as she embarks on the next chapters of Frozen,” Bush said.
“Disney Animation is home to some of the greatest stories and characters of the past century. I’m so excited to work with all of our filmmakers, artists, and Disney Animation team members as we shape the future of this legendary studio together.”
Lee’s Farewell
In a farewell memo to her staff (you can read the full note at The Hollywood Reporter), Lee thanked Bob Iger and Alan Bergman for their support, lauded Bush, and shared her excitement about returning to filmmaking.
Photo: Disney
“I am so grateful to Bob Iger and Alan Bergman for their incredible support and guidance over all these years. Every moment I’ve gotten to work with them has been a master class in creativity, business, community, and integrity. I want to thank them for supporting my decision to return to filmmaking at this studio that I love so much,” she wrote.
“I can’t wait to get back in the rooms with you! Thank you again for everything; you’re all worth melting for.”
