Rumor Hollywood insiders say there's growing tension at Disney as CEO Bob Chapek chafes at Bob Iger's 'long goodbye'

[TikibirdLand]

He's already starting to come off as a used-car salesman...less than three months into his solo flight.

Sounds good. used cars are reaching unubtainium prices. So, is WDW. So, He's doing just fine.

 

[Sir_Cliff]

Being in corp comms, my experience is you can give great advice but some aren’t willing to listen. If Bob got mad about not needing a white knight, it sounds to me like he has an ego problem.

My first reaction to the CNBC article was that perhaps Zenia is still helping Bob I. Making sure we all know he’s the good Bob... But I could be wrong.

Both things also occurred to me!

In the first instance, Bob I's comment wasn't that terrible or insulting considering the situation. The idea that Bob C would have gotten so annoyed at the suggestion he could benefit from advice so early into the job at a moment of unprecedented global crisis to the point he would stop talking to the person who just promoted him does suggest quite an ego.

In the second, it also occurs to me that someone is pushing this narrative right now. Maybe multiple reporters are picking up on an issue that plenty of people within the company are happy to talk about off-the-record because Bob C really is that disliked internally. He certainly seems to have the capability to shoot himself in the foot without any help. Considering how good Bob I was at managing his image, though, the question does cross one's mind whether he's still doing that. I'm not sure what the point would be at this stage, though. Surely he's got better things to focus his time and energies on than making his successor look bad?

 

[ImperfectPixie]

I’m NOT Touching that one
View attachment 628039

I'm not really confused.

 

[mikejs78]

Sorry, not biting until you quote the portions of the bill you have a problem with.

Ok. If you insist. Just two of the points of disagreement,.from the text of the bill.

classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur.

This is not limited to a specific age or grade - this would prohibit a senior in high school discussing their own orientation, or their gay parents. Students would fall under the definition of "third party".

The bill also states that teachings on sexual orientation or gender identity would be banned

in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.

If the first part of the above were all that was in the bill, I don't think many would object. Under 8 is not really a time to discuss orientation or gender identity (unless it comes up organically). But the rest is so ridiculously ambiguous as to prohibit virtually everything in every grade.

 

[MickeyCookies]

Both things also occurred to me!

In the first instance, Bob I's comment wasn't that terrible or insulting considering the situation. The idea that Bob C would have gotten so annoyed at the suggestion he could benefit from advice so early into the job at a moment of unprecedented global crisis to the point he would stop talking to the person who just promoted him does suggest quite an ego.

In the second, it also occurs to me that someone is pushing this narrative right now. Maybe multiple reporters are picking up on an issue that plenty of people within the company are happy to talk about off-the-record because Bob C really is that disliked internally. He certainly seems to have the capability to shoot himself in the foot without any help. Considering how good Bob I was at managing his image, though, the question does cross one's mind whether he's still doing that. I'm not sure what the point would be at this stage, though. Surely he's got better things to focus his time and energies on than making his successor look bad?

Yes agreed 100% on the comment. It was not bad at all. I doubt anyone would have given it a second thought. Plus no one anywhere knew how to navigate COVID, and having an outgoing CEO who was very successful on standby should have done nothing but benefit him.

And agreed, there are probably multiple people pushing this narrative for their own agendas. I suspect Bob I’s is less about making Bob C look bad and more about drawing his line in the sand. He was particularly involved in politics and this recent situation made waves both inside and outside Disney. This is Bob letting us know he’s got absolutely nothing to do with this. His hands are, and have been, clean. He’s got a new book coming out sometime soon, so he needs to keep things up.

 

[RSoxNo1]

If he were 65 and not 71, I think he probably would.

His shares have a monetary value and if he thinks Bob C is affecting that, his age is irrelevant.

 

[No Name]

My theory is this was kind of Bob Iger’s plan from day one, promote a dunce who he knew would be a worse version of himself in order to uphold his own reputation, then try to play the white knight, then drift from the guy when things go badly. He constantly puts on an act that he’s so important and valuable to the company, but deep down he’s obviously worried about how people will view him. Rare Chapek defense incoming, but I understand why he was annoyed at all that.

It’s either the above, or Bob Iger is truly an idiot who worked closely with Chapek for years but couldn’t tell he was unfit for the job. Also possible.

 

[lazyboy97o]

My theory is this was kind of Bob Iger’s plan from day one, promote a dunce who he knew would be a worse version of himself in order to uphold his own reputation, then try to play the white knight, then drift from the guy when things go badly. He constantly puts on an act that he’s so important and valuable to the company, but deep down he’s obviously worried about how people will view him. Rare Chapek defense incoming, but I understand why he was annoyed at all that.

It’s either the above, or Bob Iger is truly an idiot who worked closely with Chapek for years but couldn’t tell he was unfit for the job. Also possible.

It makes sense. Bob’s greatest accomplishment has been his image. Being outshined by his successor would be devastating.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Being in corp comms, my experience is you can give great advice but some aren’t willing to listen. If Bob got mad about not needing a white knight, it sounds to me like he has an ego problem.

My first reaction to the CNBC article was that perhaps Zenia is still helping Bob I. Making sure we all know he’s the good Bob... But I could be wrong

She was his cooler…which is why she’s out now.

So was Braverman…

No “coincidences” in Hollywood.

Bob I people are watching/waiting for Bob II to collapse

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

My theory is this was kind of Bob Iger’s plan from day one, promote a dunce who he knew would be a worse version of himself in order to uphold his own reputation, then try to play the white knight, then drift from the guy when things go badly. He constantly puts on an act that he’s so important and valuable to the company, but deep down he’s obviously worried about how people will view him. Rare Chapek defense incoming, but I understand why he was annoyed at all that.

It’s either the above, or Bob Iger is truly an idiot who worked closely with Chapek for years but couldn’t tell he was unfit for the job. Also possible.

Dead on.

It makes sense. Bob’s greatest accomplishment has been his image. Being outshined by his successor would be devastating.

But he’s not gonna be “outshined”…but he also is starting to look like a meddling sob and has been looking for attention like a puppy.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

His shares have a monetary value and if he thinks Bob C is affecting that, his age is irrelevant.

Well he also overpumped those shares himself.

And as we know: the “market” is always right.

Any idea how many billions of buybacks Bob & Co threw out in the “Roaring 10s”??

 

[CaptainAmerica]

His shares have a monetary value and if he thinks Bob C is affecting that, his age is irrelevant.

Any kind of war within the board of directors would likely be harmful to the stock price in the short term. His age affects whether that risk might be worth it in the long term.

 

[Goofyernmost]

I think the issues facing Disney (and large corporations in general) are that they're treating consumers as if they are a cactus to be squeezed of every last drop of "liquid", and the CEOs and executives lack excitement about the specific companies they run (there's no excitement if you can do the same exact thing somewhere else). Walt understood that he could do things that are good and enjoyable for people and families and make money at the same time - and he was extremely excited about that prospect and exploring new ways to achieve both goals. The emotional attachment he had to what he was doing helped him create the things that captivated generations.

Remember that Walt was running a small corner grocery store compared to the mega-mart that is todays Disney. We cannot say what Walt would have done in this situation, because Walt's way wouldn't have allowed for this type of company.

 

[Lilofan]

Remember that Walt was running a small corner grocery store compared to the mega-mart that is todays Disney. We cannot say what Walt would have done in this situation, because Walt's way wouldn't have allowed for this type of company.

Walt once said " We don't make movies to make money, we make money to make more movies." In reality, that mindset would never fly in the corporate world including satisfying the company shareholders and Wall Street with earnings.

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Remember that Walt was running a small corner grocery store compared to the mega-mart that is todays Disney. We cannot say what Walt would have done in this situation, because Walt's way wouldn't have allowed for this type of company.

“Walt” was always bad with money (too risky) and would have likely bankrupted them in Florida had he not smoked 7 packs a day…

…but he did have a passion for his product…these recent guys haven’t. Iger in the sense that he’s singularly focused on his acceptance/legacy…so he at least wanted stuff on his accolades.

You know who really liked what they built/made?

Spoiler: This guy again

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

Walt once said " We don't make movies to make money, we make money to make more movies." In reality, that mindset would never fly in the corporate world including satisfying the company shareholders and Wall Street with earnings.

Correct. But that doesn’t mean today’s meatheads are right. Sometimes the ideas don’t “evolve”

Stock peddlers are ultimately chasing money for nothing…because it’s not tied to company production anymore. It’s gambling and projections…which anyone can make.

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Remember that Walt was running a small corner grocery store compared to the mega-mart that is todays Disney. We cannot say what Walt would have done in this situation, because Walt's way wouldn't have allowed for this type of company.

My point still stands. Lack of passion and excitement on the part of a CEO for the specific company that CEO is running is a detriment.

 

[SpoiledBlueMilk]

36 pages of thread on this and the only comment I can come up with to add is.....

 

[ᗩLᘿᑕ ✨ ᗩζᗩᗰ]

36 pages of thread on this and the only comment I can come up with to add is.....

I agree. Bob C. is a dumpster fire!

 

[Sirwalterraleigh]

36 pages of thread on this and the only comment I can come up with to add is.....

The good stuff will start on page 38