Whoever takes over as head of Walt Disney Co.’s movie studio following the abrupt departure of Chairman Dick Cook last week will be tasked with making the struggling film division stand out among a growing number of corporate siblings, each with their own strong identity.

Once the centerpiece of Disney’s sprawling family-entertainment empire, Disney Studios today is just one of several high-profile film labels owned by the Burbank media giant.

Cook’s successor will need to manage a roster of filmmakers ranging from DreamWorks SKG cofounder Steven Spielberg to Pixar Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter, as well as the soon-to-be acquired Marvel Entertainment Inc. Coming up with the right person to oversee the business — without alienating the key creative players — could be tricky.

People close to Disney say that Chief Executive Robert Iger hasn’t settled on a replacement for Mr. Cook, who resigned Friday after seven years at the helm. It is possible, but not guaranteed, that a successor will be named soon, these people say.

–

Read the full

Wall Street Journal

story.

–

Read the full

Los Angeles Times

story.