The Great Escape: Carlos Ghosn working with ex-Disney president Michael Ovitz on film deal

Ghosn, who faces multiple charges of financial misconduct in Japan but fled to Lebanon before he could face trial, has hired former Disney president and founder of the Creative Artists Agency Michael Ovitz as his agent, the report released on Monday said.

The 65-year-old, who managed to slip past authorities at the end of December reportedly by smuggling himself on board a plane inside an audio equipment box, said Ovitz would help him evaluate proposals, according to Bloomberg.

A film deal could provide a financial boost to Ghosn, who forfeited $14 million in bail money when he fled. His escape is estimated to have cost him an additional $15 million.

Ghosn, who has Lebanese nationality, made headlines last year following his escape, which left officials in Japan red-faced.

Once hailed as a corporate saviour for rescuing Nissan from the brink of bankruptcy, Ghosn was facing a trial over a series of alleged crimes, including under-reporting his compensation to the tune of around $85 million.

He spent more than 100 days in detention in Japan after his sudden November 2018 arrest, but launched an audacious escape plan while out on bail in Tokyo and managed to travel to Lebanon apparently undetected.

Ghosn believes Nissan turned on him because executives there were concerned he was moving the firm closer to French partner Renault, part of a three-way alliance with Mitsubishi Motors.

Japan has since demanded that Ghosn returns to face trial.

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