Mary Parent joins Legendary

Parent (pictured at right on location on The Revenant) will oversee all aspects of Legendary Entertainment’s film, television, digital, mobile and new media development and production activities.

The news comes days after it emerged that president and chief creative office Jon Jashni is departing to set up the investment and incubation fun Raintree Ventures.

Parent will report to chairman and CEO Tull, who recently sold his company to Dalian Wanda Group for a reported $3.5bn.

“Mary has proven to be the rare individual that has not just served as an executive and a producer, but someone who has done both with tremendous success,” said Tull.

“Her creative instincts, relationships and an innate ability to put together a production slate designed for a global audience that is also based on savvy financial understanding are qualities we will rely on greatly as we enter the next phase of Legendary’s growth.”

Parent added: “I have loved being solely a producer, but sometimes an opportunity so unique presents itself, you have to jump in with both feet. The chance to be a part of building a truly global business with Legendary, in a climate where content is becoming ubiquitous regardless of the distribution platform or the origin of audiences, is just that opportunity. 

“Plus, having worked closely with everyone at Legendary these past four years, I have come to know the vision they have for the future and I’m so excited that Thomas has invited me to be a part of it.”

Parent is currently in production on Kong: Skull Island for Legendary, which is scheduled to open on March 10, 2017. Warcraft is set for June 10 this summer.

She previously served as the founder and CEO of Disruption Entertainment and produced Legendary’s Pacific Rim and Godzilla, as well as other films such as Noah.

Prior to Disruption Entertainment, Parent was CEO and chairman of worldwide production at MGM. She has also served as vice-chairman of worldwide production at Universal Pictures.