Pixar and Walt Disney Animation creative legend John Lasseter will leave The Walt Disney Company at the end of this year, following accusations of reported misconduct within the company. Lasseter,
who has been on a leave of absence - or a "sabbatical" as he refers to it - since the accusations arose last November, will remain with the company in a consulting role until his final day on December 31, 2018.
In a statement today, Disney CEO and Chairman Bob Iger said:
"John had a remarkable tenure at Pixar and Disney Animation, reinventing the animation business, taking breathtaking risks, and telling original, high quality stories that will last forever. We are profoundly grateful for his contributions, which included a masterful and remarkable turnaround of The Walt Disney Animation Studios. One of John’s greatest achievements is assembling a team of great storytellers and innovators with the vision and talent to set the standard in animation for generations to come.”
Lasseter also issued a statement, revealing he will "begin focusing on new creative challenges" once he departs the company. His statement reads:
“The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities. While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges. I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animation studios have achieved under my leadership and I’m grateful for all of the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney.”
Lasseter is a pioneer in the computer-animated film space. He directed 1995's groundbreaking CGI film
Toy Story, the first feature-length computer-animated film and the first feature film produced by Pixar. He produces or executive produces every Pixar project and he executive produces every Walt Disney Animation feature. Under his guidance as Chief Creative Officer, Pixar films have grossed more than $6 billion at the domestic box office, so it'll be no easy task replacing him.
According to insiders,
Frozen director Jennifer Lee is expected to be promoted at Walt Disney Animation. Meanwhile, Pete Doctor, director of
Up and
Monsters, Inc. will reportedly take on greater responsibilities at Pixar.