Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures' media release for the Cars 2 "logo reveal" and artwork officially lists John Lasseter (pictured) as director of Cars 2, with Brad Lewis as co-director. Jim Hill Media first broke the story this past June.
When Cars 2 was announced in April 2008, Lewis, who served as producer on Ratatouille, was named as the sole director on the sequel. It was stated that he was working closely with Lasseter, for whom Cars is a very personal endeavour.
Officially becoming director of Cars 2 definitely suggests that he later took on an even greater leadership role, likely due to the rumoured development troubles. Being chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and principal creative advisor of Walt Disney Imagineering, Lasseter hasn't personally directed a film since Cars.
Wednesday's press release also made public that Cars 2 is being produced by Up associate producer Denise Ream. Before joining Pixar, Ream worked as a visual effects producer/executive producer on a number of films, including Star Wars: Episode III –Revenge of the Sith and Mission: Impossible III.
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So it looks like they have their main five: John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Brad Bird, Lee Unkrich, and Pete Docter; and with anyone else they bring on, it's a case of "You're just not doing it right. Here, let me do it, and you can do it next time, I promise."
Wow! this is big news. Interesting indeed. Michael Giacchino and John Lasseter? I picture John as such a Randy Newman guy.
Here's a thought: do you think this indicates that Pixar leaders do not trust newer talent? I think that's the only controversial thing about this story, but my personal opinion is that they are just careful about making sure the films are good. I love Pixar! I loved the trailer today. I am excited about Cars 2. VERY EXCITING.
DIRECTORIAL DEBUT DISASTER!
Not really. Actually, this is IMO a good sign, for it shows that Pixar is still comitted to excellence and that it's willing to make all the necessary changes in order to deliver a Pixar-quality movie...
Of course some will say that there is a directorial monopoly, and i wouldn't deny it, but i don't think this monopoly is the actual goal... i mean, what would happen when the 'brain trust' guys are no longer here?
I'd rather think that Pixar is still not ready to have other directors, even if they want to...
Anyone up for a game of musical directors? ;)
Lasseter, aren't you too old for this????
Lasseter directed Toy Story 2; I know he won't let me down.
It does seem rather odd that they're doing away with all their new directors. I mean, if they're making good films I guess I don't really care, but what happens when these guys get to old to do it, and no one new is trained to take their place? Pixar becomes a cheap, only-interested-in-money-making company like all the rest.
Hopefully this is just a coincidence, and they'll get some new directors for their next projects.
As far as I understand, this is Brad Lewis's first time directing a feature film.
No Pixar director, with exception of John Lasseter, has taken on a film as director without being co-director first.
This seems like a natural thing and nothing to be taken as an insult.
I can't wait for the movie to come out.I'm sure the movie will be great:)
Pixar: where you can only direct if you are in the inner circle or have the mindset of the inner circle.
No variety allowed!
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