The news Thursday that the Walt Disney Co. and producer Jerry Bruckheimer would not renew their deal with when it expires in 2014 was not a surprise, but it does mark the end of an era.
With this summer's disappointing box office returns for the troubled production of "The Lone Ranger"-- following a string of disappointments including "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," "Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time," "G-Force" and "Confessions of a Shopaholic"-- Bruckheimer has had a rocky time of it lately on the big screen. He's been finding more success with his television work, including the "CSI" franchise and "The Amazing Race." His latest show, "Hostages," premieres Monday.
Bruckheimer has developed a significant brand, largely with the big and brash popcorn movie, first in the films made with partner Don Simpson and then with the films he made after Simpson's passing. Bruckheimer is the rare producer whose name means something to consumers.
PHOTOS: Upcoming Disney fall films and beyond
The list of films Bruckheimer was involved with before beginning his relationship with Disney in the early '90s remains an impressive body of work, including "American Gigolo," "Thief," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Flashdance" and "Top Gun." In the two decades since, his collaboration with directors such as "Top Gun's" Tony Scott, as well as Ridley Scott, Michael Bay and other commercial helmers did much to define the contemporary grammar of action movies, with flashy visuals, fast cutting and explosive effects.
