During an interview at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Chief Creative Officer, Jared Bush, recently shared insights about the studio’s animation direction. He emphasised the importance of having a “deep narrative reason” for transitioning between different animation styles while maintaining consistent character designs, especially for sequels.
Bush highlighted Disney’s storied 100-year legacy in animation and the studio’s commitment to surprising its audience. Reflecting on Disney’s history, he mentioned the unique challenges of continuing established characters and stories, something not all studios have to consider. He pointed to movies like “Encanto,” which initially explored various art styles before ultimately sticking to a more traditional approach that aligned with audience expectations of a Disney musical.
While acknowledging the allure of bold styles, such as those seen in “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” Bush stressed the necessity of grounding these choices in the narrative. He desired visual innovation, hinting at exciting developments in “Zootopia 2,” which will utilise the new Presto animation system.
Amid discussions about the return of 2D animation, Bush teased—while smiling—that there are indeed 2D artists within the studio creating remarkable work. He recently brought iconic Disney animator Ron Clements out of retirement to mentor the next generation of animators. Notably, it’s been over a decade since Disney released a fully hand-drawn animated film, the last being “Winnie the Pooh” in 2011.
Anxious yet optimistic about his role, Bush, who took over as CCO last year, shared his commitment to supporting a diverse range of storytelling through young filmmakers. He revealed that Disney’s upcoming 2026 release will feature an original story by a new voice in animation, strongly emphasising authentic life experiences within the narratives to resonate globally.
In this crucial time for Disney animation, Bush is strategising a 10-year plan to guide the studio’s future projects and working diligently to inspire creativity and innovation. His passion for storytelling and character development remains a driving force as Disney Animation continues to evolve while honouring its rich legacy.
