Andrew Cripps To Become New Head Of Theatrical Distribution At Disney

Andrew Cripps, a former international distribution chief at Warner Bros., will become Disney’s new head of theatrical distribution, Variety reports.

Having stepped down from his previous position in January due to an executive shakeup, Cripps had an impressive run at the studio, leading the overseas releases of multiple films on Warner Bros.’ docket including Dune, Dune: Part Two,  Joker, Wonka, Christopher Nolan’s Tenet and Barbie. He also navigated the company’s COVID-era strategy of releasing films in theaters and on streaming platforms simultaneously.

In his new role, Cripps will supervise the worldwide theatrical distribution for all films produced and released by Disney’s seven banners, including Disney Live Action, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight. Disney’s films set for 2025 include Snow White, Lilo & Stitch, Freakier Friday, Pixar’s Elio, Marvel’s Thunderbolts and The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Zootopia 2, and Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Even before Warner Bros., Cripps had extensive industry experience, serving as president of international theatrical distribution at 20th Century Fox, holding jobs at Paramount Pictures International and United International Pictures, and as president of international and executive vice president before that at IMAX’s London-based offices.

Cripps will be replacing Tony Chambers, who will now serve as president of Disney’s branches in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.