Ex-Disney chairman Peter Rice re-emerges with A24 deal

Peter Rice

Peter Rice, the former chairman of Disney General Entertainment Content, who was ousted in a shock move last year, has signed a production and co-financing deal with US studio A24.

The non-exclusive agreement will be the first time that Rice has worked as an independent producer, with A24, which is behind shows such as HBO’s Euphoria, co-financing and producing any projects that it picks up from Rice.

Former Fox boss Rice’s new move comes almost a year since he was dropped by the Mouse House in a sudden and unexpected shake-up by then CEO Bob Chapek – who was himself fired less than half a year later.

Dana Walden was handed Rice’s substantial remit, overseeing general entertainment and news programming for the streaming platforms Disney+, Hulu and Star, as well as cable and broadcast networks.

“I am incredibly excited to be an independent producer and could not be more thrilled to begin that journey in partnership with A24,” said Rice. “They have built Hollywood’s most vibrant, fearless, and creative studio. The fact that they made it out of whole cloth in a decade is a testament to their exquisite taste, razor-sharp business acumen, and infectious enthusiasm for creativity and artists.

“I have been blessed to work with so many amazing creators as an executive and cannot wait to start producing provocative, meaningful, and entertaining movies and TV shows with creators I admire and respect.”