Showing the ever-growing importance of animation, Netflix has reshuffled two portfolios involving a pair of senior executives.
Hannah Minghella, who was previously head of feature animation and live-action family film will now focus sole on animation. The longtime exec has been named head of Netflix Animation Studios and will oversee a massive slate, three animation studio facilities, and over 1,000 employees across three continents.
Live-action family films will now be overseen by vp film Kira Goldberg, who already maintains a steady hand over thrillers (the recent hit Apex was under her remit), dramas, and faith-based stories.
Both remain members of the brain trust gathered by Netflix chairman of film Dan Lin.
Animation has proved to be bonanza for the streaming giant. KPop Demon Hunters last week became the first film ever to spend 52 weeks on its Global Top 10 list and Swapped, with voicework by Michael B. Jordan, was a recent hit. Upcoming movies include Steps, Brad Bird’s Ray Gunn, The Buried Giant, a The Mitchells vs. the Machines sequel, and In Waves, which the company acquired out of Cannes. An animated take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is one of Netflix’s big swings in 2027.
On top of building out the slate, Minghella’s focus will be on building out its animated franchises across other divisions, such as live events and consumer products. And she will continue to guide her live-action projects already underway, including Greta Gerwig’s Narnia and Eloise, starring Ryan Reynolds.
Goldberg has already been overseeing projects in what could be considered the family space. The surprise megahit Remarkably Bright Creatures, the Sissy Spacek movie that adapted the novel by Shelby Van Pelt, as well as The Life List, starring Sofia Carson.
Minghella joined Netflix in 2024 from Bad Robot, Goldberg landed at the company in 2018 from 20th Century Fox.
