Almost two years ago, word leaked out that Brenda Chapman, who was to be the first woman to head up a Pixar film, had been replaced as director of Brave. The reasoning provided by Disney for the removal was “creative differences.” Chapman stayed at the animation studio while Brave was in production, but then quietly headed for the exit after the film was released in theaters. For the first time, she is speaking out about her removal, describing it as “devastating.”
Editorial: Brenda Chapman No Longer Directing Brave [Confirmed]
On Monday, citing “reliable sources,” animation website Cartoon Brew reported exclusively that Brenda Chapman was not directing Brave any longer and had left Pixar. There has been no confirmation by Disney or Pixar, so details are not fully known. What we do know is that Pixar is going to do everything in its power to give us a great film. Read on for my full take on how I feel about all this. (UPDATE: The New York Times has confirmed Chapman’s removal as director, but she will remain at the studio.) [Read more…]