Joel Kuwahara, co-founder and president of Bento Box Entertainment’s production, has stepped down from his role in the Fox-owned animation studio.
Kuwahara and Fox/Bento Box are said to be split on good terms as both executives and the company have chosen not to renew their contracts. His last day is today September 12th.
“As Bento Box Entertainment further integrates with Fox Entertainment Studios, the award-winning animation house enters a new chapter in its journey of creative excellence,” says Fernando Szew, president and director of Fox Entertainment Studios. “While Joel Kwahara has been away from his role, his vision and dedication as one of the founders of Bent Boxes contributed greatly to his success.
Kuwahara co-founded in 2009 with Scott Greenberg and Mark McJimsey. At the exit of Kuwahara, the original founder is not yet in the company, following the exit of McJimsey in 2016 and the exit of Greenberg in 2023. Fox acquired Bento Box in 2019 following the merger of Disney’s 21st Century Fox.
Kuwahara and Bento Box have been at the forefront of television animation for nearly 20 years. Bento Box is currently creating the breakout hit Fox series “Bob’s Burgers,” with Kuwahara serving as executive producer. The show has recently been renewed over four more seasons, bringing it through season 19.
Prior to Bento Box, Kuwahara worked as a producer of “The Simpsons” via the film Roman, and also produced “The Simpsons Movie” in 2007.
In addition to “Bob’s Burger,” Bento Box currently offers animations for the Fox series “Krapopolis”, “Universal Basic Guys”, “Grimsburg”, “The Great North” and “Hazbin Hotel.” Other studio credits include Apple TV+’s “Central Park,” Fox’s “Duncanville,” and Netflix’s “Hoop.”
