Disney Appoints Former Paramount Exec Daria Cercek to Lead Live-Action Films, Reshaping Studio Leadership

Walt Disney Co DIS Walt Disney Studios tapped Daria Cercek as president of its theatrical live-action division. Cercek will report to David Greenbaum, president of Disney Live Action and 20th Century Studios, the Variety reports.

Cercek is joining Disney from Paramount Global PARA, where she served as co-president of the studio’s motion picture group.

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Disney restructured its live-action division in February 2024. Sean Bailey departed after 15 years, and Greenbaum, Searchlight’s former chief, became the head of Live Action and 20th Century Studios. Disney merged two film divisions, live action, and 20th Century Studios.

Steve Asbell will continue to lead 20th Century Studios, and Vanessa Morrison will continue to lead Disney’s live-action projects for streaming.

Disney passed the $2 billion domestic box office milestone in 2024, backed by “Inside Out 2,” “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Moana 2.”

Gower Street Analytics’ Dimitrios Mitsinikos expects the domestic box office to top $10 billion and reach pre-pandemic norms, backed by the Avatar, Mission: Impossible, Jurassic World, John Wick, Zootopia, Superman, and Wicked film franchises.

CNBC’s Jim Cramer endorsed Disney stock, citing the recent dip as an attractive entry point for investors despite strong fundamentals.

Disney’s Captain America: Brave New World grossed $100 million domestically and $92.4 million in international markets, for a total of $192.4 million during the President’s Day holiday weekend.

Disney reported fiscal first-quarter 2025 revenue growth of 5% to $24.70 billion, beating the analyst estimate of $24.62 billion. Adjusted EPS of $1.76 beat the consensus estimate of $1.45.

Disney ended the quarter with 178 million Disney+ Core and Hulu subscriptions and 125 million Disney+ Core paid subscribers.

Price Actions: DIS stock is up 0.85% at $111.50 at the last check on Friday.

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