Disney CEO Bob Iger Defends Company’s Embrace of Sequels Despite Recent Box Office Struggles
In a recent Q&A session at the New York Times’ DealBook conference, Disney CEO Bob Iger addressed the company’s recent box office struggles and defended their continued focus on making sequels.
Iger acknowledged the tepid box office results but argued that Disney has had great theatrical runs that are unrivaled by other studios. He specifically mentioned the success of some of their sequels, stating that “some of them have done extraordinarily well. And they’ve been good films too.”
Despite Walt Disney expressing a distaste for sequels in a letter to shareholders in 1966, Iger insisted that Disney will continue to make sequels as long as there is a good story to tell. He also emphasized the importance of quality over quantity, promising to stress quality in Disney’s future projects.
Furthermore, Iger revealed that he often visits Walt Disney’s preserved office to “feel the presence” and appreciate the legacy of the company. He noted that Walt Disney was adept at adapting to change and embraced technology, recognizing that the world is not a static place.
While Iger acknowledged the need for a turnaround creatively, he also defended Disney’s track record, stating that achieving billion-dollar box office results had become an extremely high standard for the studio.
Iger’s comments come in the wake of Disney’s recent box office disappointments with films like “The Marvels” and the latest “Indiana Jones.” Despite the struggles, Iger remains confident that Disney will rebound creatively and continue to thrive in the film industry.