Wednesday, The Walt Disney Company officially swallowed 21st Century Fox in an unprecedented $71.3 billion buyout. In keeping with Disney CEO Bob Iger’s promise to “Hit the ground running once the deal closes,” it was reported Thursday that Disney will officially close down the storied Fox 2000 imprint.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Mouse House will follow through on production and distribution of the films which Fox 2000 currently has in the works, which include The Art of Racing in the Rain with Kevin Costner and The Woman in the Window with Amy Adams and Gary Oldman, before shutting off the lights permanently.
Fox 2000 has been 21st Century Fox’s go-to imprint for mid-budget films, typically dramas, such as The Devil Wears Prada and Hidden Figures. Meanwhile, Disney plans to keep Fox Searchlight Pictures, the company’s prestige branch for independent films, as well as the marquee 21st Century Fox banner intact.
Marty Bowen, producer of such Fox 2000 titles as Love, Simon and The Fault In Our Stars, commented on the closure:
“I’m honestly angry, shocked and really, really hurt. As a lifetime fan of all things Disney, this is difficult for me to say, but I think the shuttering of Fox 2000 is going to go down as the one big mistake the Mouse has made in an otherwise flawless strategy.”
Bowen continues:
“The 2000 Bungalow is a safe haven for filmmakers. A place where laughter and tears coexist and where the first thought was always ‘What’s best for the movie?’ I know efficiencies must be achieved when two behemoths become one, but we can never forget the importance creativity and passion play in the process of making great movies.”
Overall, the Fox-Disney merger will result in the loss of over 4,000 industry jobs.
What do you think about the loss of 4,000 jobs and the shuttering of Fox 2000? Do you agree with Disney that this is the right move? Sound off in the comments below and let me know what your thoughts are on the matter!
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