In a surprising turn of events, we learned earlier tonight that Marvel Studios President of Physical, Post Production, VFX and Animation, Victoria Alonso, has parted ways with the company after 17 years.

No reason was given for Alonso's departure in the original trade report, but NY Mag's senior reporter Chris Lee has now taken to Twitter to share some more details that may shed a little more light on what ultimately led to her stepping down (or being asked to step down).

Alonso was responsible for producing the animation and VFX for MCU movies that have grossed over $25 billion in global box office, but Lee is claiming that her relationship with the artists that worked on those projects was less than amicable.

SO many VFX sources have told me Victoria Alonso was singularly responsible for Marvel's toxic work environment: a kingmaker who rewarded unquestioning fealty with an avalanche of work, but who also maintained the blacklist that kept FX pros wild eyed with fear

"The main one that everyone's quite scared of is Victoria Alonso," another tech said. "If she likes you, you're going to get work and you're going to move up in the industry. If you have pissed her off in any way, you're going to get frozen out"

We find it very hard to believe that any one person was solely responsible for the studio's frayed relationship with VFX companies, but if there's any truth to Lee's comments, it would certainly explain why Alonso is no longer in her position. 

It's also worth noting that Lee's assessment of Alonso has been refuted.

This is just the absolutely opposite of what I’ve heard from every person who has ever worked with her. I’d call it a gross mischaracterization. https://t.co/wSNGp2yR2K

Whatever the reason for the exec's departure, it's looking like some big changes are on the horizon at Marvel Studios!