Drew Simon is leaving Infrared, the production label he helped build with FilmNation four years ago, people familiar with the matter told Deadline. The departure comes as Simon completes a busy slate of films and remains attached to several projects as a producer, a move that keeps immediate plans intact while opening the door to new ventures.
FilmNation declined to comment. According to those briefed on the transition, Simon decided the timing was right to step away after shepherding Infrared’s initial projects into production and release.
Simon’s exit follows the recent completion of several noteworthy titles. Most immediately, he wrapped production on Skeletons last month, a film produced with J.J. Abrams and directed by J.T. Mollner, featuring Brie Larson, John Goodman and Kyle Gallner. He also produced Painter for 20th Century Studios alongside James Cameron and Derek Kolstad; directed by Garrett Warren, that action picture — starring Amber Midthunder and Walton Goggins — is scheduled to arrive on Hulu/Disney+ in early 2027. In 2025, Simon produced Novocaine, starring Jack Quaid, which Paramount distributed worldwide.
| Film | Key collaborators | Status / Release |
|---|---|---|
| Skeletons | J.J. Abrams (producer); J.T. Mollner (director); Brie Larson, John Goodman | Completed (wrapped last month) |
| Painter | James Cameron, Derek Kolstad (producers); Garrett Warren (director); Amber Midthunder | Coming to Hulu/Disney+ early 2027 |
| Novocaine | Jack Quaid (lead) | Released globally by Paramount, 2025 |
Before forming Infrared, Simon spent seven years at STX Entertainment, rising to executive vice president and overseeing production on more than two dozen films. His resume includes a range of commercially oriented titles such as Bad Moms, Den of Thieves, Greenland and The Foreigner, among others — projects that helped define his focus on globally marketable, director-driven fare.
The label Simon started with FilmNation CEO Glen Basner was created to champion commercially viable films with international box-office ambitions. Insiders say Simon will continue to serve as a producer on several of Infrared’s upcoming releases even as he prepares for the next phase of his career.
Industry implications are twofold: Infrared and FilmNation must adjust leadership and development workflows, but the continuity of Simon’s producer credits minimizes short-term disruption to the label’s active projects. For Simon, remaining attached to key titles keeps his profile visible while he explores new producing or executive roles.
- What changes now: Infrared loses its co-founder and day-to-day leader but retains hands-on continuity for films already in production.
- What to watch: Who FilmNation promotes or hires to steer Infrared, and the release performance of Skeletons and Painter.
- Simon’s next step: He has not disclosed a new role publicly; an announcement is expected later.
Simon plans to make his next professional move public at a later date, leaving the industry to watch both the future of Infrared and his next chapter in film production.
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Hello, I’m Declan. I share my film reviews and discoveries with you to enrich your moviegoing experience.