We finally have more details about what led to Marvel Studios' President, Physical and Postproduction, VFX and Animation Production, Victoria Alonso, being ousted from the company after 16 years.
While it's been made apparent in numerous reports from the trades that Alonso was allegedly difficult to work with in that role (particularly given the post-pandemic pressure put on VFX artists), the reason for her firing is a little more simple. According to Deadline, it boils down to an apparent breach of contract after she produced Oscar-nominated documentary Argentina 1985.
Issues first arose when Alonso took aim at Disney for its stance on Florida's divisive Florida's "Parental Rights in Education" bill (which is commonly dubbed "Don't Say Gay" in media reports). She was told at the time that she could no longer do interviews, and a disagreement her lawyer has described as "reprehensible" then occurred with an unnamed studio executive.
Later, despite there being a condition in her contract which meant Alonso wasn't allowed to work for any other studio, she still chose to produce the aforementioned documentary. Her deal was re-drafted out of respect for the years she served Marvel Studios, though she was asked not to promote it.
Long story short, she did.
It's also explained that her habit of taking days off to conduct her own personal business affairs - such as producing Argentina 1985 - contributed to some of the big VFX delays at Marvel Studios.
Alonso is now looking to sue Disney and Marvel Studios, and her lawyer (Patty Glaser, who is also taking Disney to court on behalf of a producer who was fired from Star Wars: The Acolyte) has issued the following statement:
"The idea that Victoria was fired over a handful of press interviews relating to a personal passion project about human rights and democracy that was nominated for an Oscar and which she got Disney’s blessing to work on is absolutely ridiculous. Victoria, a gay Latina who had the courage to criticize Disney, was silenced.
"Then she was terminated when she refused to do something she believed was reprehensible. Disney and Marvel made a really poor decision that will have serious consequences. There is a lot more to this story and Victoria will be telling it shortly—in one forum or another."
Disney, meanwhile, has countered with a statement of its own:
"It’s unfortunate that Victoria is sharing a narrative that leaves out several key factors concerning her departure, including an indisputable breach of contract and a direct violation of company policy. We will continue to wish her the best for the future and thank her for her numerous contributions to the studio."
We'll keep you updated on this situation as it continues to develop.