It’s a happy day for giant robot lovers everywhere as Tom Rothman is stepping down as co-chairman and CEO of 20th Century Fox as of 1st January 2013. No doubt the studio has experienced incredible success lead by Rothman, with two little titles you may have heard of, TITANIC and AVATAR. However, for many of us comic-loving geeks, he will forever be the man who vetoed the use of Sentinels in the X-Men films and insisted Galactus be a giant cloud. His quote:
There won’t be any giant robots in any movie my studio makes.
Now looks pretty stupid with the success of TRANSFORMERS and the upcoming PACIFIC RIM. I’m by no means defending the likes of TRANSFORMERS, but for a studio head to be so against one particular thing is absurd. Films are about imagination and doing the impossible, not stifling creativity because of a frankly bizarre prejudice.
Despite all this, he has overseen some wonderful films. Even just recently we got RISE OF THE PLANET OF THE APES, CHRONICLE, and X-MEN: FIRST CLASS. Someone with so much success is always bound to be remembered for the things that went wrong, while others claim of the glory of the successes. Still, I’m just happy we may get to see Sentinels in X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST and Galactus in a FANTASTIC 4 reboot.
Here is Rothman’s letter announcing his resignation:
My Dear Friends,
I have decided that, after more than 18 years — the bulk of my adult working life — I am resigning as Chairman and CEO of Fox Filmed Entertainment, effective January 1, 2013. During my time at Fox, thanks to you, we have together accomplished more than I ever imagined possible, from the founding and nurturing of Searchlight, to overseeing the two biggest films in box office history, to consistently ranking at the top among studio profitability year in and year out (including our most recent strong fiscal year), and, most of all, making dozens of exceptional films that I believe will stand the test of time. I’m proud as hell of that run. But I’ve done the same thing, at the same place, for a long time (indeed, in the 75 year history of our studio, no one has supervised movies for longer except Darryl Zanuck himself). I do need some new challenges and to write a new chapter.
I love Fox and all of you and take comfort knowing that, although there is never a perfect time to leave, because the slate for the next several years is in awesome shape, this is at least a pretty good one. I know that Jim G. and all of you will continue our long tradition of winning ways, and I will be rooting hard for you. I will also be around until the end of the year to help with the transition and celebrate some of the hits we are about to have.
Finally, let me say, how eternally grateful I will always be for the privilege and the honor of having had this job, and above all else, working with you all – quite simply, the best, most talented, and the kindest colleagues in the world. If I can leave you with one thought, it’s this: for all these years, I have tried to do the job with, above all else, integrity. I think our company stands for doing what is right, even if that is not always easy, and for prizing honesty and forthrightness. I hope that you will carry that mission forward. As for me, a bunch of you guys know what the tattoo on my ankle says. It’s what I wish for us all: “Excelsior”!
With Love and Gratitude,
Tom
Source: Collider
