Disney veteran Roger Allers, co-director of The Lion King, passes away

The animation community is mourning the loss of Roger Allers, a longtime Disney writer whose storytelling helped shape the studio's golden era. Allers rose through the ranks on a string of beloved features before co-directing the iconic musical that redefined the possibilities of hand-drawn cinema. Colleagues remember his keen sense of narrative rhythm, his willingness to mentor emerging talent, and his collaborative spirit that made even the most ambitious sequences feel effortless. Veteran visual effects supervisor Dave Bossert paid tribute on social media, recalling late-night brainstorming sessions and the quiet determination that drove Allers to push the medium forward. As the industry reflects on his legacy, the imprint of his imagination remains evident in every frame that continues to inspire new generations of animators.