Disney establishes Fox movie leadership with Emma Watts, Stephen Gilula and Nancy Utley



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Elizabeth Gabler is also part of Fox's production at Disney, along with Vanessa Morrison and animation veterinarians Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird.

Disney has taken a critical step in defining how it will absorb 20th Century Fox's film assets, a complex task that will have lasting consequences for the film industry and reduce the number of major Hollywood studios from six to five.

Emma Watts, Vice President of 20th Century Fox, Elizabeth Gabler of Fox 2000, and Steve Gilula and Nancy Utley, both Fox Searchlight leaders, are part of Disney's group of big-name movie directors appointed by Disney for be part of its historic acquisition of much of 21st Century Fox. The Hollywood journalist revealed earlier this month that Watts would make the jump to Disney.

As expected, Stacey Snider, president and CEO of Fox, will not leave.

Once at Disney, Watts will continue to serve as Vice President of 20th Century Fox Film and President of Production, guiding renowned franchises such as James Cameron's. Avatar and Kingsman. Utley and Gilula will also keep their titles, while Gabler will be the president of the Fox 2000 production (her current title is the president of Fox 2000). All four, who are widely respected, will report directly to Alan Horn, president of Disney Studios.

In addition, Fox's Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird will remain co-presidents of Fox Animation, while Fox's long-time leader Vanessa Morrison will chair the family. Baird, Miloro and Morrison will report to Horn and Watts.

Although Disney has not revealed details about how 20th Century Fox would coexist within the Disney empire, everything suggests that it will be a brand name. alongside Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar, Disney Live Action Studio and Disney Animation – same for Projector and Fox 2000.

Disney also did not specify the number of movies a year that it would release from the various entities of Fox, nor did it outline its plan as to how the additional titles would serve its new streaming service or Hulu in which she has a major interest. Sources indicate that 20th Century Fox could publish four or more images a year.

As far as animation is concerned, Disney's announcement did not mention Fox's Blue Sky Studios, which produces films for Fox Animation. It should be noted that Miloro and Baird will report to Watts and Horn, reporting that Fox Animation will live under the umbrella of 20th Century Fox, instead of associating with Pixar or Disney Animation. (Disney recently closed Disneytoon Studios, which make movies directly for home entertainment.)

"We are delighted that these talented executives are joining our incredible team of studio chefs once the acquisition of 21st Century Fox is over," said Bob Iger, President and CEO of Walt Disney Co. "Under the direction Alan Horn, Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Lucasfilm have reached an unprecedented level of success in creative and ticketing, and the addition of Fox's impressive film brands and franchises to our studio we will create even more attractive entertainment and quality for public enjoyment. "

"The addition of these respected film groups under the umbrella of The Walt Disney Studios will create endless possibilities as we continue to provide top quality films to audiences around the world," Horn said. "It's a group of experienced executives, and Alan Bergman and I look forward to welcoming them to our leadership ranks at the end of the acquisition."

The Disney-Fox merger is expected to close early next year. Once that's done, it's unclear when Disney will take over the movies of 20th Century Fox, Fox 2000 and Searchlight. Generalized layoffs are expected in Fox's marketing and distribution divisions.

Meanwhile, Watts has a busy fall lineup. Bohemian Rhapsody debuted in theaters on November 2nd, followed by Steve McQueen Widows November 16th. There is also an "untitled" dead Pool the film should take place on the big screen on December 21st. (There is a widespread assumption that this will be a PG-13 version of Deadpool 2.)

Watts, who has long overseen production at 20th Century Fox, has been instrumental in shaping the universe of X Men movies, as well as the birth of dead Pool. These properties will now go to the wonder of Kevin Feige.

Since the announcement of the Disney-Fox merger at the end of last year, Iger has repeatedly praised Searchlight, which allows Disney – the former owner of Harvey and Bob Weinstein's Miramax – to return to the rewards game. Upcoming titles in Searchlight include Can you ever forgive me?, which debuted in some theaters this weekend, and The favourite (November 23).

Similarly, Fox 2000 is currently in theaters with the critically acclaimed Hate U Give.

Borys Kit contributed to this report.

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