IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Photos and text from wire services Creative Officer John Lasseter. On Tuesday, Lasseter announced that he was taking “a six-month sabbatical.” He acknowledged “missteps” and “unwanted hugs” with employees. Disney has said it supports Lasseter’s leave of absence.

Lasseter has been foundational to the rise of Pixar and the revitalization of Disney Animation. “Coco” is the latest in a long line of hits he’s overseen.

After some early blunders (Disney tried to trademark “Dia de Los Muertos,” sparking a backlash), the studio strove to capture Mexican culture authentically in “Coco,” enlisting cultural consultants for their feedback. The film, directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina, is one of the largest U.S. productions ever to feature a largely all-Latino cast.

That makes “Coco” an anomaly in the Pixar canon but also in Hollywood. Hispanics made up 23 percent of frequent moviegoers last year, but they’re seldom catered to. Disney didn’t share ethnic demographics for “Coco” ticket buyers but said signs pointed to a high turnout among Latinos. But “Coco” also performed well elsewhere, like in China where it made $18.2 million.

“Telling great stories that represent the audience is a part of what makes a film successful, especially when you get it right,” said Hollis.

WARNER BROS. ENTERTAINMENT INC. VIA AP This image released by Warner Bros. Pictures shows Ezra Miller, from left, Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot in a scene from “Justice League.”