With the acquisition of most of 20th Century Fox having just gone through, Disney is as strong as ever before, but I guess even they can’t have EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. Along the way, they are bound to lose some talent to the competition, and that looks to be exactly the case here with director Rich Moore, known for his work on Disney Animation Studios films Zootopia and Ralph Breaks the Internet.

According to a new report from THR, the animation director has jumped ship over at the House of Mouse and has joined Sony Pictures Animation. Over at SPA, he will be producing and directing original animated feature, and will “also be available to act in an advisory capacity with ongoing feature film and series-based projects.”

“Rich is a world-class storyteller and he brings with him a wealth of experience and a unique sensibility for story, comedy and heart,” said SPA president Kristine Belson 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.”

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“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,” Moore said in a statement. “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.”

This comes on the heels of Sony Pictures Animation’s huge success in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which won them an Oscar. With that in mind, and their clear willingness to think outside the box in terms of their storytelling and style, it’s no wonder the prospect was attractive to Moore. But how do you feel about him leaving? Let us know down below!

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SOURCE: THR