John Lasseter, the chief creative officer of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios, is taking a six-month leave of absence, citing unspecified “missteps,” a stunning reversal of fortune for a figure so influential in Hollywood he has often been compared to Walt Disney. He has served as chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios since 2006. Since Lasseter took over, the studio’s hits have included “Tangled,” “Wreck-It Ralph” and “Moana.”The move comes at an important time for Lasseter, Pixar and Disney. Lasseter, 60, has been a key player in Disney Chief Executive Robert Iger’s strategy for the company’s film studio business, led by Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Earlier this month, the Walt Disney Family Museum honored Lasseter with a lifetime achievement award at a gala in San Francisco.

Source: Los Angeles Times November 21, 2017 20:44 UTC