Earlier this week, we reported on a very worrying rumor that longtime Pixarian Bob Peterson has been removed as director of The Good Dinosaur. Today, Pixar spoke out and confirmed the truth: Bob Peterson has been pulled off the project and replaced by a makeshift team of directors.
Ed Catmull confirmed the news to the LA Times, going on to explain the rationale behind the decision. "All directors get really deep in their films. Sometimes you just need a different perspective to get the idea out. Sometimes directors … are so deeply embedded in their ideas it actually takes someone else to finish it up. I would go so far as to argue that a lot of live-action films would be better off with that same process."
With no replacement for Peterson and a release date quickly approaching, various members of Pixar’s Brain Trust are working with original co-director Pete Sohn to continue work on The Good Dinosaur; John Lasseter, Lee Unkrich, and Mark Andrews are now overseeing various segments of the film. Denise Ream is producing in place of John Walker.
While directorial changes are nothing new for Pixar, having four directors juggle a project nine months before release doesn’t inspire much confidence. Pixar remains committed to the May 30 release date, but personally, I’d rather see them push the release back if it means a more polished result.
The good news: Peterson is still at the studio, set to direct another film.
Your thoughts?
Last modified: August 30, 2013
Well… as long as he’s not kicked out of the studio, I’m happy. Shame his leading directorial debut is going to wait, but never mind, he’s still a Pixarian 🙂
Hopefully this was a “friendly” removal of Peterson. I would hope he himself even agreed with the decision. Otherwise this is a rather jerk move by Pixar, imo. This guy has given them so much over the years, and it just isn’t right to treat him poorly. The fact that he’s still working there and still directing another project at least gives some indication that he was not mistreated.
As for The Good Dinosaur, it makes me a little concerned about it. I agree that they should push it back rather then having an inferior film. If nothing else, I guess this news proves that Pixar is still committed to good storytelling above all. They do what they have to do to make sure their films are quality.
So sad to hear about Bob and Pete. But since Toy Story 2, Monsters, Inc., Ratatouille, Finding Nemo, Brave, Monsters University, Cars 2 and Newt had director shuffles, it’s no surprise.
I wish internet know-it-alls would quit digging for dirt. Firing — er… REMOVING a director shortly before their film is released is just how we do things at Pixar.
In the cruise line industry, they break a bottle of champagne before launching a new vessel. At the only animated studio to feature a cereal bar, when it’s time to launch a new film, we break a director’s spirit.
“At the only animated studio to feature a cereal bar, when it’s time to launch a new film, we break a director’s spirit.”
Good one, and sadly since they’ve replaced over half their directors, likely true. Especially since only one of those directors is still there. Until Peterson. Sad they won’t let him direct another film, though.
Good one? I’m sorry, I didn’t think it was. I’ve still got that Pixar faith. I really believe that Pixar is not the rude type.
Also, they said Bob Peterson IS set to direct a brand new film. They’re much more gracious than they’re given credit for these days.