Ron Clements, co-director of classic Disney animated films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Hercules,” “Aladdin,” and “Moana,” has come out of retirement and is returning to Walt Disney Animation Studios… but not to direct.
Ron Clements Returning to Disney Animation
The news was shared at the Annecy Animation Festival on Friday morning in France, according to a report from Variety.
During a presentation from Walt Disney Animation Studios, Clements was inducted into Annecy’s Walk of Fame.
This is so cool. It’s such an honor to be memorialized this way. Unbelievable. So thank you. Thank you with all my heart. I am very, very appreciative.
Ron Clements
In addition to his recognition, Disney Animation chief creative officer and writer/director of the upcoming “Zootopia 2,” Jared Bush, announced Clements’ return to the studio in an advisory role.
I’ve actually unretired a very important person here, Ron Clements, who’s coming back to the studio. Ron is one of the reasons that I do what I do… The legacy he helped build is the foundation we walk on.
Jared Bush, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios
Clements expressed excitement over the idea of mentorship and returning to Disney:
I really have been enjoying retirement, but I’m excited about just returning to kind of mentor… There aren’t as many old people around as there used to be, and there certainly are so many young people who want to work in animation.
Ron Clements
Clements retired after the release of “Moana” (2016), which he co-directed alongside longtime collaborator John Musker and Don Hall. Following his acceptance into Disney’s Talent Development Program, Clements served a two-year apprenticeship under Disney Legend Frank Thomas before progressing through the ranks to direct some of Disney’s most beloved animated films.
Source: Variety, The Walt Disney Family Museum, D23
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