Jared Bush

Jared Bush (born June 12, 1974, in Gaithersburg, Maryland) is an American screenwriter, producer, and director whose storytelling has helped define a modern era of Walt Disney Animation Studios. A Harvard University graduate, Bush has built a reputation for character-driven worlds, sharp humor, and emotionally grounded themes that resonate with global audiences.

He is widely recognized as the co-writer and co-director of Zootopia (2016), and he returns to the franchise with Zootopia 2 (2025). Beyond writing, Bush has also appeared in related projects and lent his voice to the memorable character Pronk Oryx-Antlerson (and variations of the role) across Zootopia, Zootopia+, and the sequel.

Outside the animal metropolis, Bush penned Moana (2016) and continued the saga with Moana 2 (2024), while also being involved with the planned 2026 live-action remake. He further expanded his creative range by co-creating and executive producing the animated series Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero.

In 2021, Bush wrote and directed Encanto, earning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. In 2024, he stepped into a major leadership role as Walt Disney Animation Studios’ chief creative officer, guiding the studio’s next chapter while continuing to shape its most high-profile franchises.