Longtime exec Hannah Minghella has been named head of Netflix Animation Studios and will oversee a massive slate, three animation studio facilities and over 1,000 employees across three continents, TheWrap has learned.
She was previously head of feature animation and live-action family film, but will now focus solely on animation.
VP of Film Kira Goldberg will now oversee live-action family films, touting a résumé of thrillers, dramas and faith-based films. In addition to the wildly popular “Apex,” she’s also overseen beloved family dramas like “Remarkably Bright Creatures” and “The Life List” that fall under the family space.
Minghella’s focus will now be on building out the streamer’s animated franchises across other divisions, such as live events and consumer products, on top of maintaining the slate. Under her guidance, live-action projects already underway include Greta Gerwig’s upcoming “Narnia” and “Eloise,” starring Ryan Reynolds.
Both Minghella and Goldberg are important members of Netflix Chairman of Film Dan Lin’s brain trust and will work closely during the transition.
“KPop Demon Hunters” is the first film ever to spend 52 weeks on the Global Top 10 list and a sequel is currently in the works, with original directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans returning to direct the follow-up film as part of their exclusive, multi-year writing and directing deal across animation. Sony Pictures Animation will again produce the sequel.
Upcoming animated movies on the streamer include “Steps,” “Ray Gunn,” “The Buried Giant,” “The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2” and “In Waves,” which Netflix acquired out of Cannes.
The Hollywood Reporter first reported the news.
