Disney Studios just experienced a massive shakeup as top exec Sean Bailey, the man behind multiple live-action film adaptations, leaves his role effective immediately.
Bailey, the former President of Motion Picture Studios, was the driving force behind animation to live-action projects, including “The Lion King” ($1.66 billion in global revenue), “Beauty and the Beast” ($1.2 billion), “Aladdin” ($1.05 billion) and “The Jungle Book” ($962 million), plus others, per Deadline. Bailey is the exec behind more than $7 billion in box office earnings.
He began his tenure with Disney as a producer on “Tron Legacy” in 2010. After stepping down from his role as a top exec, he’ll now finish out his time at the House of Mouse as a producer on “Tron: Ares” before exiting the studio completely.
Taking his place in a newly created role is Searchlight co-president David Greenbaum, who will now become president of both Disney Live action and president of 20th Century Studios, the outlet noted.
“Sean has been an incredibly important member of the studio’s creative team for well over a decade,” Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman said of the change. “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.’”
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Bailey also released a statement on his departure, reflecting on his time with Disney. Deadline reported that he’ll be moving on to “entrepreneurial projects” despite rumors that he’d be taking on a top position at 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,” the film exec said. “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.”
