John Lasseter
Jim Hill Media is reporting that John Lasseter is being brought aboard the production of Pixar’s next release, Cars 2, to co-direct. Lasseter had stepped back from day-to-day duties at Pixar when he became Chief Creative Officer at Disney, as well as the Principal Creative Advisor for their theme parks around the world.
It would make sense for Lasseter to step in and offer assistance on Cars 2, as he was the director of Cars. It was also the last time Lasseter would sit in the director’s chair. That is, until now. Brad Lewis, who previously served as producer of Ratatouille, had been announced as the solo director for Cars 2, but once Disney and/or Pixar confirm this, it looks like Lewis and Lasseter will be directing together.
There is no need to be alarmed just yet. Every Pixar film undergoes its growing pains, as the animators, producers, and directors of the studio’s previous films have talked about. Memorably, Toy Story 2 had to be completely reworked, and that was done with 9 months before release! Pixar’s embracing of constant work on the script and the animation process is the reason why they have released such beloved films.
Cars 2 is slated for release in June 2011.
Source: Jim Hill Media
