Dan Lin Named Netflix Head Of Film, Replacing Scott Stuber

The producer of Warner Bros.’s Lego movies and Netflix’s just-released 'Avatar the Last Airbender' has found the role he’ll leave Rideback for

Dan Lin, the producer of films including Warner Bros.’s Lego movies and Disney’s recent Aladdin and Haunted Mansion remakes, as well as television series such as the Netflix live action Avatar: The Last Airbender through his production company Rideback, has been named head of film at the streamer.

Indeed, the search is over for the streamer after Scott Stuber announced in January that he would step down in March. Thus, Lin’s duties begin April 1. He had been in the running for most of the search if not since the very beginning, against the likes of just-departed Disney executive Sean Bailey and Twilight producer Wyck Godfrey. The hiring comes after Warner Bros. Discovery was in hot pursuit of Lin to be the replacement for Walter Hamada at what became DC Studios once the new regime was installed. However, it was reported that not only did the Batgirl and other writeoffs spook him, but keeping Rideback independent, as well as the ties to the nonprofit Rideback Rise was too strong to make that work. James Gunn and Peter Safran would be chosen that October.

However, because Lin is now headed to Netflix, he will be leaving Rideback behind and in the hands of his partner Jonathan Eirich and the company’s COO Michael LoFaso as the new co-CEOs. “While I’ve been approached many times during my past 15 years at Rideback, I could truly never imagine leaving until Bela reached out with this incredible opportunity,” Lin said in a statement after his move was reported. “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.” Bela is Bela Bajaria, who ran Netflix’s TV unit and gained jurisdiction of the film arm in January 2023, upon being named chief content officer. In addition to Avatar: The Last Airbender, which racked up 21.2 million views in its first 4 days putting it #1 in 92 countries, Lin produced the 2017 live action Death Note movie and 2019’s Oscar-nominated The Two Popes.

“It’s always been my aspiration at Rideback to make movies with worldwide appeal and universal themes, and there is no better place to do that than at the company with the widest global audience,” Lin would add. “It’s an incredible opportunity that I couldn’t say no to, and as hard as it is to leave Rideback, a company I love, I’m excited now to hand over the reins to the new co-CEOs Jonathan Eirich and Michael LoFaso who will no doubt take Rideback to levels that even I hadn’t envisioned.”

Bajaria remarked, “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.”

Source: The Hollywood Reporter