News Bob Iger is back! Chapek is out!!

[GiveMeTheMusic]

If I had a nickel for every time rumors were swirling that Kathleen Kennedy was getting axed, I could afford an Individual Lightning Lane for Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

 

[brb1006]

Too bad he's long, long gone. To Regions Beyond.

But what would he say if he came back?

People are talking about Bob Iger (The Weatherman) replacing Bob Chapek (Chappie) like it's actually a good thing. How dumb do you have to be? I know we had a pandemic, an insurrection, multiple elections and more mass shootings than new Marvel shows on Disney+, but seriously. Do these people all own stock in My Pillow?

You do all remember who put Chappie in his position to begin with, right? Who gave him his marching orders? Who approved of every major MAGIC-sucking, money grubbing, woke pandering, turning the world's largest media/entertainment company into 'All About That Streaming' move he was charged with? (BTW, same goes for Joshie D'Amaro who so many of the social media influencers love)

You think Iger is your savior?

The man who ran countless execs out of the company after building them up as possible successors. The man who is now, after his horrific no succession, succession plan exploded like the bowels of an obese Guest after dining at Chef Mickey's, somehow back at the helm for 24 months (until that changes to 36 or 52 or ...)?

I hear people talk about never being so optimistic about Disney's future and I just wonder again, what alternate facts are they playing with. I have seen this all over. From real media types to Wall Street insiders to former Imagineers to (naturally) online (can I use the W-word yet here Mom? Is she still around these parts, I hope!) influencers/bloggers/w-words to 20-year-old O-Town fanbois flashing their pronouns (oh, gawd, do my 77-year-old nerves need this crap?) on Elon's end of days platform.

I see no reason for optimism. None. And I've spent a lot of time around Disney properties of late. Even 1401, which wasn't as deserted and depressing as I expected/feared. Operationally, I've never seen WDW and DLR so bad. Ever. Show quality is simply nonexistent. Lines are horrendous (so, no, price increases and paid FP were not the answer, not that some of us ever thought they were). And CMs (I don't want to sound like a right wing crackpot) are showing their uniqueness in ways I find distracting and distressing (and off-stage and in real life I'd be completely supporting them ... but, no, I don't want to see dudes with black nail polish and nose rings on MSUSA). The Disney Look was once considered a great thing and a model for other corporations. Of course, last time I was here, Splash Mountain was a Top 3 attraction and Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah was considered a great Disney anthem, so there's that too. Y'all waiting on that LE Splash Mountain closing merch line (HINT: it ain't coming) before the ride closes for good on 1/23?

I recall many year ago discussing here that Disney was in danger of becoming just another BRAND and well, the last five years have more than proven me right.

Anyone who has experienced WDW's 50th Anniversary want to disagree? Anyone who sees so many disparate brands and IP watering down Disney (again, Splash Mountain can no longer be Disney, but Family Guy can ... ) to where you wonder what exactly is left? 1970s and 80s retro merchandise. BTW, you may love it because it harkens back to a better time, but you do realize how much cheaper it is than creating new designs and new items, right?

You think if WDW eases its reservation system, something already in the works, that is the doing of Iger? Ah, no.

I don't get anything about the company right now. Or the industry that says streaming is absolutely the future when a broadcast network (those are like ABC and CBS and NBC, kidz) here in the future year of 2022 pulls in many times the numbers that these services do. The fact that broadcast TV also is quite profitable, while every streamer (that charges) out there loses billions of dollars might speak to a Titanic sized miscalculation there.

But I must return to my peaceful slumber. This is not a realm I can exist in for very long. I thought the fan community online was a cesspool a decade ago, but it was really heaven compared to now (seriously, guys and gals, how many vlogs showing a BLT one bedroom MK view must we have?)

I will say this, The Weatherman would like nothing better than to be the last head of TWDC. And he'd drop Willow (even in her stunning Yoda dress) for Tim Cook tomorrow and he ain't even gay. He is the same lousy man he was back when he left ... all of ... how many months ago?

If you think The Weatherman is the answer for Disney, then you probably think T ... nope, just nope.

To the few online pals I have who are left here, hope y'all survived (you know what I mean) and are doing well.

Leota just arrived with her ball ... must be going.

Shame I was asleep when you posted on here.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

That I don't get. The fans really don't like her. Unless you think Disney won't do it because it would be scene as caving to the fans? But isn't that what Disney is known for? They love to make decisions based on the Twitter crowd.

It would be very easy to get rid of her and make it seem like it wasn't them getting rid of her and she can ride into the sunset. As long as she's there, everything Lucasfilm releases will have an uphill battle from a PR standpoint.

I don't want to drag this thread too far into re-litigating the pros and cons of current Star Wars, and I'm personally pretty indifferent on the topic. Considering the debate around why Kennedy and the films under her watch have attracted such strongly negative feelings among some fans, though, I think Disney would really have to tread carefully if they were to get rid of her.

 

[erasure fan1]

I don't want to drag this thread too far into re-litigating the pros and cons of current Star Wars, and I'm personally pretty indifferent on the topic. Considering the debate around why Kennedy and the films under her watch have attracted such strongly negative feelings among some fans, though, I think Disney would really have to tread carefully if they were to get rid of her.

I guess I don't understand why? Because of her gender? They don't really need anything except star wars has been abandoned at the theatrical level with zero roadmap forward. It's the biggest IP in the world and that isn't acceptable. Maybe they are scared because of the optics. But that only makes leadership more pathetic than already are.

 

[JD80]

Just based on the state of Star Wars alone is enough to get rid of her.

They have no movies bringing in dollars.
A handful of D+ shows that may or may not move merch and add to D+ subscriber numbers.

Is there anything excited about in Star Wars land other than yet ANOTHER show filling in some random gaps between E1 and E9? At least Andor has amazing world building that made it interesting, I'll give it that.

 

[Dragonman]

I guess I don't understand why? Because of her gender? They don't really need anything except star wars has been abandoned at the theatrical level with zero roadmap forward. It's the biggest IP in the world and that isn't acceptable. Maybe they are scared because of the optics. But that only makes leadership more pathetic than already are.

Well that but also she knows lots of people around Hollywood and their secrets so she has power and could easily turn the tables if needed. Current speculation says she’ll be out either before or after Indy 5 drops. If/When she does eventually leave expect her to be honoured with an award and celebration, etc rather than a fired announcement that everyone wishes would actually happen.

 

[erasure fan1]

When she does eventually leave expect her to be honoured with an award and celebration, etc rather than a fired announcement that everyone wishes would actually happen.

As I would fully expect. I've said from the start, she isn't going to be publicly fired. It will be a we thank her for everything she's done and we wish her nothing but the best in her new endeavors.... Speach.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Lucasfilm Kathleen Kennedy not if but when.

Currently Star Wars has two critically acclaimed streaming shows, one with a huge cultural footprint, the other in serious conversations by critics as the best show of the year. The disappointment of the sequel trilogy, which produced one fun film, one good film, and one all-time stinker, is almost entirely the fault of Iger, who forced the series to meet absurd deadlines to glorify his acquisition.

Yet for some reason fans keep showering hate on Kennedy… there’s something about her that really seems to bother a lot of folks… can’t guide put my finger on it…

Edit: It would be very, very funny if they fired her right after the release of what is widely held to be the best piece of Star Wars media since 1983, if not 1980.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

I think she needs to go as well. There was a time around the release of last jedi where I thought they should move her to a position that wasn't attached to the creative side of things. She's a legendary producer for sure. But I doubt she had any real power on the creative side of things with all those Spielberg productions. Unfortunately Iger let her allow herself and lucas film to wage a war against the fans. Creating an extremely toxic relationship with the fans. So at this point, she just needs to move on. No matter the position in Disney that she could move to, there will always be big pushback with the fans.

And if she goes…it will be because they will admit dismissing the OT fans has lost them a lot of money. I personally have no doubt that it has…

I don't know, I think the fans have made it hard for them to get rid of her.

Because morons say nasty stuff on Twitter? That’s so standard it “insulates” no one.

 

[_caleb]

That was a DVC property like Aulani and the issues with that property killed the future of non-park related properties. Jay Rasulo did try to get Disney into Regional Entertainment Centers; a hotel, a World of Disney, maybe some attractions and entertainment. It was more a real estate development scheme (that being Rasulo’s thing) and died when he left Parks & Resorts.

Storyliving by Disney was a Chapek partnership for resort-style living for “Active Adults.”

Disney to develop residential communities with new 'Storyliving by Disney' business

Disney is bringing the Disney experience beyond the parks.

www.wdwmagic.com

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Currently Star Wars has two critically acclaimed streaming shows, one with a huge cultural footprint, the other in serious conversations by critics as the best show of the year. The disappointment of the sequel trilogy, which produced one fun film, one good film, and one all-time stinker, is almost entirely the fault of Iger, who forced the series to meet absurd deadlines to glorify his acquisition.

Yet for some reason fans keep showering hate on Kennedy… there’s something about her that really seems to bother a lot of folks… can’t guide put my finger on it…

Edit: It would be very, very funny if they fired her right after the release of what is widely held to be the best piece of Star Wars media since 1983, if not 1980.

Speaking for long time Star Wars fans…I think you “missed it”. That’s not what happened. We have the whole picture now and Star Wars is “unforgiving” when you screw up.

7 was a reboot…and people made it an “event”…and even old critics like me were willing to give it a chance to setup.

But it was a disaster…they had no idea and LFL’s story group and directors we’re a dumpster filled with tires on fire…

The judgement is made and that is it. The problem for Disney, LFL, kennedy is they misfired with the original characters too. They had one shot and they missed.

It is written…and it was done.

Truth isn’t a “conspiracy”…it’s what happened.

 

[kingdead]

I don't know, I think the fans have made it hard for them to get rid of her.

Yeah, it comes across like capitulation to culture warriors when the reality is you can wait a year and have a nice retirement party for this lady. That and Iger shafted her in the first place...

(The real problem is that there still really isn't much story past the OT, and removing Kennedy isn't going to fix that and give Disney the big blockbuster it wants out of the brand.)

 

[Casper Gutman]

Speaking for long time Star Wars fans…I think you “missed it”. That’s not what happened. We have the whole picture now and Star Wars is “unforgiving” when you screw up.

7 was a reboot…and people made it an “event”…and even old critics like me were willing to give it a chance a setup.

But it was a disaster…they had no idea and LFL’s story group and directors we’re a dumpster filled with tires on fire…

The judgement is made and that is it. The problem for Disney, LFL, kennedy is they misfired with the original characters too. They had one shot and they missed.

It is written…and it was done.

Truth isn’t a “conspiracy”…it’s what happened.

I know you believe this interpretation very deeply, and its a valid subjective take. But it absolutely isn't the "truth" nor is it universally shared. I think 7 is good and 8 is very good, which is also a valid subjective take. Even more importantly, you are ignoring the exceptional streaming shows.

It's been said frequently, but it really is true - Star Wars fans really don't like Star Wars.

 

[Tha Realest]

I don't want to drag this thread too far into re-litigating the pros and cons of current Star Wars, and I'm personally pretty indifferent on the topic. Considering the debate around why Kennedy and the films under her watch have attracted such strongly negative feelings among some fans, though, I think Disney would really have to tread carefully if they were to get rid of her.

She can’t achieve liftoff on new films in the surest franchise in box office history, but we can’t let the “wrong” people claim a win.

 

[Casper Gutman]

Yeah, it comes across like capitulation to culture warriors when the reality is you can wait a year and have a nice retirement party for this lady. That and Iger shafted her in the first place...

(The real problem is that there still really isn't much story past the OT, and removing Kennedy isn't going to fix that and give Disney the big blockbuster it wants out of the brand.)

This is correct. To move past the OT, Star Wars creators are going to have to make choices and build something new, and Iger absolutely was not going to let that happen after his big purchase. He had a point - look at how fans reacted to Last Jedi when it treated Luke like an actual character who can make mistakes and experience personal growth. A lot of fans just want Empire made over and over and over, and you can't build a successful franchise that way (this was the not-particularly-subtle subtext of The Last Jedi, another thing that upset a lot of fans). In retrospect, the only way the sequels could have worked would have been to jump forward a hundred years or so and leave the protagonists of the OT locked in time in the last shot of Return, but not bringing back the original cast would have defeated the point of the sequels. The project was doomed from the jump. Now they've written the franchise into a narrative corner. Its why they keep going back instead of forward. At some point, they're going to have to make actual choices that will anger people if they're going to move forward in time.

 

[Casper Gutman]

She can’t achieve liftoff on new films in the surest franchise in box office history, but we can’t let the “wrong” people claim a win.

"Surest franchise in box office history?" Not by a long shot. By any measure, that's Marvel. Star Wars has had two universally loved films, four mixed films with controversial reputations, and five stinkers. It also carries more cultural baggage then any other franchise. A lot of franchises are "surer" - not just the MCU, but Mission: Impossible, Fast & Furious, Bond...

 

[MerlinTheGoat]

I would have assumed KK would be quite safe, until Martin posted his comment (however vague) on the matter. And even then, i'm still not sure they would try and mess with her. Wouldn't it be likely to cause the company a lot of PR problems if she was fired? No doubt the fandom menace side would be ecstatic, but Disney would also have to deal with the "Sexist Pig Iger Fires Great Female Executive" firestorm from the opposing media side too.

 

[Br0ckford]

At some point, they're going to have to make actual choices that will anger people if they're going to move forward in time.

They have already done this.

 

[Casper Gutman]

They have already done this.

The Last Jedi made some. Then people got angry, and Disney ran away from them as fast as possible and returned to a confused version of the status quo. Of the many, many announced upcoming Star Wars projects, is a single one set post-Rise-of-Skywalker? Not as far as I know, because that period is a huge mess.

 

[Br0ckford]

The Last Jedi made some. Then people got angry, and Disney ran away from them as fast as possible and returned to a confused version of the status quo. Of the many, many announced upcoming Star Wars projects, is a single one set post-Rise-of-Skywalker? Not as far as I know, because that period is a huge mess.

I agree 100 % Episode 7 was eh... after that it fell apart. Ignoring thr PT and especially OT fans was a huge mistake.