Netflix film chief Dan Lin is out in sweeping Hollywood shake-up

Netflix has parted ways with film chief Dan Lin, completing a total shake-up of its content leadership as the streamer faces slowing engagement and growth worries.

Puck’s Matt Belloni was first to report the news on Monday, October 19. TheWrap confirmed Lin’s exit, which follows last week’s departure of chief content officer Bela Bajaria and layoffs of roughly 1,000 employees — about 6% of Netflix’s workforce.

“It’s been a great privilege to lead this incredible team and work with amazing filmmakers and talent to bring their movies to the world. Thank you to Ted, Greg and Bela for the opportunity,” Lin said in a statement.

Co-CEO Ted Sarandos praised Lin’s “dedication to quality filmmaking, rigor around dealmaking and strategy, and collaborative spirit.” Netflix declined to comment further.

Lin, the producer behind “The LEGO Movie” and the “It” franchise, took over Netflix Film in April 2024 from Scott Stuber with a mandate to spend less on fewer, better movies. He greenlit roughly 88 films in his first two years, per The New York Times, overseeing hits including “KPop Demon Hunters” and “Happy Gilmore 2” — but faced friction with Hollywood talent over his hard line on theatrical releases.

Former Disney and Fox executive Peter Rice will oversee the film division until a permanent successor is named. Rice takes over as chief content officer on October 26. The news lands just ahead of Netflix’s third-quarter earnings report on Tuesday, October 20.