A Disney worker was struck and killed Thursday morning by a car near the studio’s Burbank Headquarters, an individual with knowledge of the situation told TheWrap.
The fatal accident occurred Thursday outside of the Disney lot’s Alameda Gate shortly after 9 a.m. The Disney employee was struck by a vehicle while using a marked crosswalk at Alameda Avenue and Lincoln Street. The car went on to crash into three other vehicles on the street. Responding officers detained two men who were in the vehicle. The victim was rushed to the hospital where the individual was pronounced dead. Police are investigating whether the suspects were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the collision.
Alameda Ave CLOSED in both directions between Buena Vista St and Keystone St in Burbank until further notice pic.twitter.com/GkA85una7k
Disney CEO Bob Iger wrote in an email to staffers, obtained by TheWrap, that he was heartbroken to learn the news.
“As some of you may have heard, we lost a valued Cast Member this morning in a tragic accident outside the Alameda Gate of the Disney lot. [Name redacted] was struck by a vehicle on her way to work and passed a short while later at the hospital. A number of other Cast Members witnessed the tragedy, and are understandably very shaken by the experience. I know [name redacted] friends and colleagues are stunned by this awful news, and we’re all heartbroken by the loss. We have reached out to her family to offer our support and deepest condolences. Please join me in keeping her loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”
All the 'Star Wars' Behind-the-Scenes Shakeups Since Disney Bought Lucasfilm (So Far)
In September 2017, Lucasfilm announced it had parted ways with "Star Wars: Episode IX" director Colin Trevorrow just months before the film was set to begin production, and then revealing a week later that JJ Abrams would take his place. But that's hardly the first shakeup of the modern "Star Wars" era. Here's all the drama that's happened since Disney bought Lucasfilm (and the "Star Wars" franchise) in 2012.
All three new numbered "Star Wars" movies ("The Force Awakens," "The Last Jedi," and the untitled Episode IX) were originally announced for May launches before being pushed to December.
Michael Arndt was originally hired to write "The Force Awakens" but was replaced because his draft wasn't coming along as quickly as the powers that be at Lucasfilm wanted -- director JJ Abrams and Lawrence Kasdan took over screenwriting duties.
Josh Trank, the first director hired for the standalone anthology film that we now know as "Untitled Han Solo Film," was fired from the project in May 2015 amid reports of drama on the set of his "Fantastic Four" film, with producer Simon Kinberg reportedly calling him "erratic." Trank later said he left "Star Wars" because he wanted to do "something original."
Colin Trevorrow landed the "Episode IX" directing gig in 2015, and wrote the first script with his writing partner Derek Connolly. But Lucasfilm ultimately nixed their screenplay, and in August, Jack Thorne was reported to have taken over those duties. (Lucasfilm still hasn't made any official announcement about Thorne.)
Phil Lord and Chris Miller were hired to direct "Han Solo" from Lawrence Kasdan's script, and made it through most of production before being fired in June 2017. Reports credited a conflict with Lucasfilm over their filmmaking style. Ron Howard was then brought in to finish the project.
Michael K. Williams landed a supporting role in the Han Solo movie, but after Ron Howard replaced Lord and Miller, the amount of additional shooting was apparently extensive enough that Williams no longer had time for the film. His character ended up being cut from the film completely.
Trevorrow was replaced on "Episode IX" by "The Force Awakens" director JJ Abrams, who Disney also announced would write the screenplay with "Argo" and "Batman V Superman" scribe Chris Terrio.
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From the first ‘The Force Awakens’ script to the departure of ”Episode IX“ director Colin Trevorrow
In September 2017, Lucasfilm announced it had parted ways with "Star Wars: Episode IX" director Colin Trevorrow just months before the film was set to begin production, and then revealing a week later that JJ Abrams would take his place. But that's hardly the first shakeup of the modern "Star Wars" era. Here's all the drama that's happened since Disney bought Lucasfilm (and the "Star Wars" franchise) in 2012.
