‘Lego’ Animated Films Producer Dan Lin To Take Over As Netflix Film Boss
Dan Lin, a producer on the Lego animated film franchise and Netflix’s recent live-action adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender, has been appointed as the streamer’s new head of film. Lin will replace outgoing boss Scott Stuber and begin the role on April 1 and will report to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s chief content officer.
Lin was always a likely candidate for the soon-to-be vacant spot given his successful track record with the streamer. His studio, Rideback, produced the aforementioned Avatar series – which debuted in first place globally on the platform two weeks ago – and the three-time Oscar nominated feature The Two Popes. Other rumored candidates for the position were Disney’s live-action boss Sean Bailey, who is leaving that company after a 15-year tenure, and Twilight producer Wyck Godfrey.
Two years ago, Lin was a finalist to take over DC Studios for Warner Bros. Discovery, where he served as senior vp of production from 1999-2007. In the end, he decided not to leave Rideback, which he co-founded in 2008, and James Gunn and Peter Safran were made co-heads of DC Studios.
Things are apparently different this time around, and Lin has agreed to depart Rideback as part of his Netflix deal. He will leave studio co-founder Jonathan Eirich and COO Michael LoFaso in charge as the label’s new co-CEOs.
In a statement following the news of his appointment, Lin said:
While I’ve been approached many times during my past 15 years at Rideback, I could truly never imagine leaving until Bela [Bajaria] reached out with this incredible opportunity. Bela’s vision for the Netflix film division immediately interested me as it aligned so strongly with my own personal and professional values and what we have been building at Rideback. There is such a strong foundation that’s already been established in the film division at Netflix, one I’m excited to take to the next level as we continue growing this creative community to make Netflix the number one home for filmmakers.
Although most of Lin’s credits come from live-action production, his animation credentials include the Lego franchise films, including The Lego Movie and its sequel, The Lego Batman Movie, and and the Unikitty animated series for Cartoon Network. Lin has also produced several live-action adaptations of animated properties, including Death Note and Avatar: The Last Airbender for Netflix and Disney’s Aladdin. In 2009, he was tapped to produce a Tom and Jerry live-action/cg hybrid, but that project didn’t make it out of development.
Netflix chief content officer Bela Bajaria said of Lin’s appointment:
Dan’s experience as both an executive and a producer is marked by a consistent ability to draw in exceptional filmmakers. But what really got my attention was his creation of Rideback, a dynamic community for filmmakers, fostering collaborative and creative environments. His visionary approach has led to the establishment of incubators and residencies, propelling the careers of extraordinary talent, as well as a steady slate of blockbuster films. I can’t wait for Dan to infuse Netflix with his innovation and talent.