'Soul' filmmaker Pete Docter says he has no plans to direct again after taking top Pixar job

Watch: Trailer for Soul

Pixar stalwart Pete Docter says his new role as the company’s chief creative officer means he is unlikely to direct another movie in the near future.

Docter’s directorial efforts have been among the most acclaimed movies in the animation giant’s output, including Monsters Inc., Up, Inside Out and recent release Soul.

Read more: Docter reveals It’s a Wonderful Life inspiration on Soul

In 2018, he replaced John Lasseter as chief creative officer in the wake of allegations against Lasseter which emerged during the Me Too movement.

By that time, Soul was already in production — but Docter thinks it’s likely to be his last film for the time being.

"The CCO job is not making films. It’s guiding other people," he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Docter added: "I was initially worried that it would be like a tax, taking me away from what I really loved. But it's been surprisingly rewarding."

Read more: Soul cast talk breaking down barriers

The 52-year-old industry veteran said he now gets his fulfilment from passing on his expertise to the up-and-coming animators within the company.

He said: “I can see their eyes light up and them recognize the truth of what I'm saying, and it helps them get somewhere, and that's been surprisingly fulfilling to me.

"Whether it'll be enough in the long run, or if I'm going to be jonesing to get back to directing, I don't know. We'll have to see."

Docter has now been working in his new job for several years, but none of the features he have greenlit have yet been publicly announced.

Pixar has an original animation set for this year — Italian sea monster tale Luca — with two more movies due to arrive in 2022.

Read more: Soul makes Barack Obama’s list of favourites

Meanwhile, Docter’s Soul arrived via Disney+ on Christmas Day and is already receiving strong notices from critics, earning a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

The critical consensus reads: “A film as beautiful to contemplate as it is to behold, Soul proves Pixar's power to deliver outstanding all-ages entertainment remains undimmed.”

Watch: Pete Docter discusses Soul going to Disney+