Jerry Bruckheimer, Disney Split After Nearly 20 Years

Big Hollywood Split Confirmed

Jerry Bruckheimer and Walt Disney Studios have decided to end the long-standing relationship that existed between the prolific producer and film company since the 1990s.

With Disney, Bruckheimer produced some of the studio's biggest hits, including every entry in the "Pirates of the Caribbean" series (four films thus far) and two "National Treasure" movies. His track record also includes flops like "Prince of Persia," "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and this year's "The Lone Ranger," which could cost Disney between $160 and $190 million.

"This is about a long-term relationship with lots of pluses and minuses," Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn told THR. "'The Lone Ranger' certainly didn't help things, but we all have our wins and our losses, and this is an overall thing related to the company's supply of projects from all these other places."

For his part, Bruckheimer seems happy to go back to his roots as a producer of adult-oriented action films like "Top Gun," "Beverly Hills Cop" and "The Rock."

"I am very appreciative of the wonderful collaboration and support I have had at The Walt Disney Company for over 20 years and the 27 movies we have made together," Bruckheimer said in a press release announcing the split. "The good news is we will continue working together on 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' 'National Treasure' and other projects we have developed together at the studio. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to work with these amazing people at The Walt Disney Studios, many of whom have become my good friends. As we continue to make adventure films, we look forward to returning to films like 'Black Hawk Down,' 'Enemy of the State,' 'Beverly Hills Cop,' and 'The Rock.'"

As Bruckheimer mentioned, "Pirates of the Caribbean 5" and "National Treasure 3" are still in development at Disney (though "Pirates 5" was recently bumped off its 2015 release date). Bruckheimer's first-look deal with the studio expires in 2014.

For more on the split, head to THR.

Celebrity Photos: June 2014

Celebrity News & Photos

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot