BREAKING: Chapek Out At Disney, Iger Returns

[Ernest Rister]

https://deadline.com/2022/11/disney-...ut-1235178223/

The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today that Robert A. Iger is returning to lead Disney as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Iger, who spent more than four decades at the Company, including 15 years as its CEO, has agreed to serve as Disney’s CEO for two years, with a mandate from the Board to set the strategic direction for renewed growth and to work closely with the Board in developing a successor to lead the Company at the completion of his term. Mr. Iger succeeds Bob Chapek, who has stepped down from his position.**

“We thank Bob Chapek for his service to Disney over his long career, including navigating the company through the unprecedented challenges of the pandemic,” said Susan Arnold, Chairman of the Board. “The Board has concluded that as Disney embarks on an increasingly complex period of industry transformation, Bob Iger is uniquely situated to lead the Company through this pivotal period.”

“Mr. Iger has the deep respect of Disney’s senior leadership team, most of whom he worked closely with until his departure as executive chairman 11 months ago, and he is greatly admired by Disney employees worldwide–all of which will allow for a seamless transition of leadership,” she said.*

The position of Chairman of the Board remains unchanged, with Ms. Arnold serving in that capacity.

“I am extremely optimistic for the future of this great company and thrilled to be asked by the Board to return as its CEO,” Mr. Iger said. “Disney and its incomparable brands and franchises hold a special place in the hearts of so many people around the globe—most especially in the hearts of our employees, whose dedication to this company and its mission is an inspiration. I am deeply honored to be asked to again lead this remarkable team, with a clear mission focused on creative excellence to inspire generations through unrivaled, bold storytelling.”*

During his 15 years as CEO, from 2005 to 2020, Mr. Iger helped build Disney into one of the world’s most successful and admired media and entertainment companies with a strategic vision focused on creative excellence, technological innovation and international growth. He expanded on Disney’s legacy of unparalleled storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and 21st Century Fox and increased the Company’s market capitalization fivefold during his time as CEO. Mr. Iger continued to direct Disney’s creative endeavors until his departure as Executive Chairman last December, and the Company’s robust pipeline of content is a testament to his leadership and vision."

[spanky87]

Seriously, what were they thinking with the theme park guy? Everyone knew he was an unqualified choice.

[Ernest Rister]

Originally Posted by spanky87

[IMG]Seriously, what were they thinking with the theme park guy? Everyone knew he was an unqualified choice.

Conservative choice, I think Iger felt he would be a steady hand, a sort of "don't fix what ain't broke" fella...oops. Chapek started some really unpopular moves -- bringing back Eisner-era executive oversight over the creative divisions is the least-discussed bad moves he made, but to me, that was the most alarming. Chapek also had the charisma of your least-favorite uncle and physique of Tor Johnson, and I'd rather hang out with Tor...

[Ernest Rister]

[recS-12]

I want the evil queen being crushed by the falling boulder reinstated (dark ride) and the marriage seeking female chasing the slim pirate back on my classic POTC ride. You hear me Iger! That is all….

[prkchopexpress]

don’t know why people even care.

it’s not like he is corman giving young directors a chance. he’s a seemingly random guy who just happens to be there when some hits were made (that would have been made anyway no matter who was in charge)

[Cerberus40000]

Gee I can't think why lol

[El Rey]

Its a Christmas miracle!!

[John1701D]

Good. Maybe I'll actually consider going back to the parks one day. What a shit show they turned into.

[Farerb]

I don't get it, people here constantly said that Disney is doing well, why would they make such a decision?!

Anyway, I see so much people online so happy about it as if Iger is their personal friend. So many issues nowadays are resulted from his decisions. Sure, it probably means less focus on Disney+ content, higher quality production values, but we'll still get unnecessary remakes and sequels, they'll just look better. It'll also probably mean no hand drawn features and no LGBT representation or less of it.

[xbs2034]

Originally Posted by Farerb

I don't get it, people here constantly said that Disney is doing well, why would they make such a decision?!

Anyway, I see so much people online so happy about it as if Iger is their personal friend. So many issues nowadays are resulted from his decisions. Sure, it probably means less focus on Disney+ content, higher quality production values, but we'll still get unnecessary remakes and sequels, they'll just look better. It'll also probably mean no hand drawn features and no LGBT representation or less of it.

Why would Iger mean less LGBTQ representation when one of the reasons behind this decision was apparently Chapek was slow to voice opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which Iger voiced earlier on, and Chapek’s move left LGBTQ employees feeling like he didn’t have their back the way Iger did. Obviously the stock hit in the last year was a big motivating factor behind this move, but beyond that it seems like less about content, and more managerial style (Iger is apparently much more diplomatic, the way Chapek criticized Scarlett Johansson over Black Widow salary was also brought up as an issue with his tenure).

[moreorless]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Why would Iger mean less LGBTQ representation when one of the reasons behind this decision was apparently Chapek was slow to voice opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which Iger voiced earlier on, and Chapek’s move left LGBTQ employees feeling like he didn’t have their back the way Iger did. Obviously the stock hit in the last year was a big motivating factor behind this move, but beyond that it seems like less about content, and more managerial style (Iger is apparently much more diplomatic, the way Chapek criticized Scarlett Johansson over Black Widow salary was also brought up as an issue with his tenure).

Really I think that a lot of Disney's sucess has basically been about not rocking the boat too much with the various proprieties they pickup, Iger unlike so many big name execs didnt seem to have the desire to micromanage creatives.

[Eye Candy]

Originally Posted by xbs2034

Why would Iger mean less LGBTQ representation when one of the reasons behind this decision was apparently Chapek was slow to voice opposition to Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which Iger voiced earlier on, and Chapek’s move left LGBTQ employees feeling like he didn’t have their back the way Iger did. Obviously the stock hit in the last year was a big motivating factor behind this move, but beyond that it seems like less about content, and more managerial style (Iger is apparently much more diplomatic, the way Chapek criticized Scarlett Johansson over Black Widow salary was also brought up as an issue with his tenure).

Why Disney Is Collapsing: The Coming Disney Crisis - YouTube

[Zivouhr]

I think Chapek, who stepped down, was in charge of Disney phasing out their series shows from disc media and only supporting their new shows like Obi Wan Kenobi on their D- pay channel. Not good. Unless that ball already started rolling before Iger left. Get more shows on disc format please.

Disney makes a lot of money, but they also have a lot of costs too with employees, insurance, maintenance of their parks, etc.

As far as them acquiring major entertainment companies, that's something that's happening with the video game industry too, where once big development corporations are being absorbed by Sony and Microsoft. Not good. Sometimes these extra arms are dissolved completely.

[mwynn]

Originally Posted by Zivouhr

I think Chapek, who stepped down, was in charge of Disney phasing out their series shows from disc media and only supporting their new shows like Obi Wan Kenobi on their D- pay channel. Not good. Unless that ball already started rolling before Iger left. Get more shows on disc format please.

Disney makes a lot of money, but they also have a lot of costs too with employees, insurance, maintenance of their parks, etc.

As far as them acquiring major entertainment companies, that's something that's happening with the video game industry too, where once big development corporations are being absorbed by Sony and Microsoft. Not good. Sometimes these extra arms are dissolved completely.

All of the entertainment silo's are in flux. There is more content than people have time and money. I think this will be a major discussion for 2023, do companies merge or take bail outs. Neither option serves the consumer.

[indisposed]

I'm thinking out loud here, but maybe Iger can reignite realtions with China... Disney NEEEDS China!

[s2mikey]

Originally Posted by Farerb

I don't get it, people here constantly said that Disney is doing well, why would they make such a decision?!

Anyway, I see so much people online so happy about it as if Iger is their personal friend. So many issues nowadays are resulted from his decisions. Sure, it probably means less focus on Disney+ content, higher quality production values, but we'll still get unnecessary remakes and sequels, they'll just look better. It'll also probably mean no hand drawn features and no LGBT representation or less of it.

Why assume no LGBT at all though? Having some of that is one thing but its another when it feels at times as if the "social awakening" angle is the total driving force behind a lot of content. Balance/reason works best here, IMO.

Needless reboots and remakes are the norm now and thats not just a Disney-driven thing. I dunno, I dont see an issue with the switch. And, Disney was not doing as well as some have claimed!

[Mikezilla3k]

So how long till Daredevil Born Again is either neutered or outright canned?

Cause Chapek was the key driving force behind a push for more mature stuff at Disney and now that "Buy Everything" Iger is back............................don't think they'll still be a thing.

[spanky87]

Originally Posted by Farerb

I don't get it, people here constantly said that Disney is doing well, why would they make such a decision?!

Anyway, I see so much people online so happy about it as if Iger is their personal friend. So many issues nowadays are resulted from his decisions. Sure, it probably means less focus on Disney+ content, higher quality production values, but we'll still get unnecessary remakes and sequels, they'll just look better. It'll also probably mean no hand drawn features and no LGBT representation or less of it.

This problem isn’t exclusive to Disney though. Every major studio is exploiting their IPs, even more so now in the age of streaming services.

Originally Posted by Mikezilla3k

So how long till Daredevil Born Again is either neutered or outright canned?

Cause Chapek was the key driving force behind a push for more mature stuff at Disney and now that "Buy Everything" Iger is back............................don't think they'll still be a thing.

Wasn’t Iger the one who was adamant about Deadpool maintaining the R rating?

https://variety.com/2019/film/news/d...203129498/amp/

[Mikezilla3k]

Originally Posted by spanky87

Wasn’t Iger the one who was adamant about Deadpool maintaining the R rating?

https://variety.com/2019/film/news/d...203129498/amp/

He'll make slight exceptions just to calm some people down. He let theaters run Rocky Picture Horror Show after everyone freaked out but do you think he'll let something like Fathom Events show Alien again? Nuh-uh.

Likewise, Deadpool 3 will be R but expect everything else to be neutered...