THR has learned that "after several years of frustration," Marvel Studios and Kevin Feige will now report directly to Disney studio chief Alan Horn instead of Marvel Entertainment CEO Isaac "Ike" Perlmutter.
A spokesperson for Disney has confirmed the shift, saying "Marvel Studios is taking the next logical step in its integration with The Walt Disney Studios, joining Pixar and Lucasfilm in centralizing many of its film-related functions in Burbank, with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and co-president Louis D’Esposito continuing to lead the Marvel Studios team reporting to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn." This move will likely give Feige more freedom, however he will still have to answer to the Mouse House.
So why the reorganization, which went into effect last week? Well, Kevin Feige has apparently been looking to break free from Ike Perlmutter for some time now. Perlmutter is known for his micromanaging and frugality, and according to a source close to the company, "Everybody knows Ike is difficult. This has been a long time coming. Kevin has grown his entire career under Ike and now it just makes sense." What are your thoughts on this behind-the-scenes shake-up?
Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will begin with CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, which is set to hit theaters on May 6, 2016.