“Zootopia” Director Rich Moore Leaves Disney after 10 Years to Join Sony Pictures Animation Team

After 10 years, Rich Moore has stepped away from The Walt Disney Company. After directing hits such as Wreck-it-Ralph and Zootopia, Moore is moving to Sony Pictures Animation to develop, produce, and helm original productions.

Sony Pictures Animation, which recently put out Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse, has proven that they are willing to back unique creative directions. When SPA announced the addition on Monday, the company was thrilled to have Moore on board.

“Rich is a world-class storyteller and he brings with him a wealth of experience and a unique sensibility for story, comedy and heart,” SPA president Kristine Belson said in a statement. “We are so excited for him to join our team of filmmakers at Sony Pictures Animation as we continue to develop a slate of animated features that are big, bold and will take audiences by surprise.”

Before Disney, Moore was one of the original directors on The Simpsons. Moore also worked closely on the animated series Futurama.

10 years ago, John Lasseter invited Rich Moore to join the team at Disney Animation. Moore directed 2012’s Wreck-It Ralph, grossing $471 million and nabbing an Oscar nomination. He then directed Zootopia along with Byron Howard and Jared Bush, a movie that grossed a billion dollars and swept up numerous awards, including an Oscar. Moore also co-directed Ralph Breaks the Internet.

This departure does not come easily for Moore. He said in a statement “Ten years is a long time — but when you’re working on incredible films with people you love as I have these last ten years, that time flies by, I will always cherish my days at the Walt Disney Animation Studios and I leave with the faith that the studio is in good hands. I remain a lifelong Disney Animation fan and look forward to the films they’ll create in the future.”

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