Pixar Animation Studios will have to carry on without Lee Unkrich. The Oscar-winning director has officially announced that he’s leaving the company.
Unkrich, who has been with Pixar for 25 years and worked on such classics as Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., and Finding Nemo, took to Twitter on Friday (January 18) to let fans know it was time to move on.
“After twenty-five incredible years, I’ve decided to leave Pixar. The time has come for new adventures,” tweeted Unkrich along with a fitting GIF from Toy Story 3.
After twenty-five incredible years, I’ve decided to leave Pixar.
The time has come for new adventures. pic.twitter.com/0KZyHXhs8L
— Lee Unkrich (@leeunkrich) January 18, 2019
Unkrich’s departure comes as Pixar finds themselves in a time of change in power — especially given John Lasseter’s departure just last year.
Lassateter, who walked away from the company following misconduct allegations made against him, has since found a new home at Skydance Animation.
Unlike his mentor, Unkrich revealed in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter that his decision to leave does not signify he’s gearing up to join another studio.
“I’m not leaving to make films at another studio; instead, I look forward to spending much-needed time with my family and pursuing interests that have long been back-burnered,” said the Coco director.
Unkrich leaves with nothing but support from his Pixar colleagues.
In statements made following the announcement of his departure, Pixar president Jim Morris spoke of the 51-year-old director’s lasting legacy.
“If you look at the sweep of contemporary cinema, it would be difficult to find someone more brilliant in the filmmaking arts than Lee Unkrich,” said Morris. “He has been a key player in elevating virtually every one of Pixar’s films.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn also released a statement addressing Unkrich’s decision to leave, saying, “Lee has left an indelible mark on the world of film, and we are so grateful for the passion and talent he has brought to each movie he has worked on. He’ll always be part of the Disney-Pixar family, and we’ll miss him.”
Though we expect Pixar to continue to thrive without Unkrich, there’s no denying his presence will be missed!