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Fans Aren’t the Only Ones Happy to See Bob Iger Return, So Is Hollywood

On the evening of November 20, The Walt Disney Company announced a major — and shocking — move. Disney CEO Bob Chapek had been fired, and former Disney CEO Bob Iger would be returning and immediately taking over the reins. Almost immediately after the announcement was made, Iger sent an email out to all Disney employees, saying he looked forward to what they could accomplish together.

Less than 24 hours into his tenure, Iger also announced that Chapek’s right-hand man, Kareem Daniel, would also be leaving Disney.

Bob Chapek
Credit: Disney

Many Disney fans were excited to see Chapek leave Disney — as they had wanted it for quite a while — and they were not the only ones. Multiple notable names reacted with elation when it was announced Chapek was gone. One of the most recognizable names for Disney fans is Frozen star Josh Gad — who had recently spent time with Chapek at Disney’s D23 Expo, where Gad was made a Disney legend.

I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy. Welcome home @RobertIger ❤️❤️❤️ – the GOAT is back!!!!

https://twitter.com/joshgad/status/1594525459525488642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1594525459525488642%7Ctwgr%5E1f37c0168cf0611c73cdb36a1e4f39ccde4d631a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewrap.com%2Fbob-iger-bob-chapek-disney-hollywood-reacts%2F

During Chapek’s tenure, Disney shifted from theatrical releases to mainly streaming ones. While this can partially be blamed on the pandemic, Disney found itself at the center of a very public lawsuit brought by Marvel star Scarlett Johansson when Disney went back on its deal to release Black Widow in theaters.

AMC CEO Adam Aron — who was probably not thrilled with Disney releasing more movies on Disney+ instead of in theaters — also praised Iger’s return.

Breaking News: Based on box office grosses, Disney is the biggest film maker of any movie studio. Bob Iger coming back to again lead Disney as its CEO is a big deal. Let me shout this from the mountain top. I have the absolute highest respect for Bob Iger.

https://twitter.com/CEOAdam/status/1594531664650043392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1594531664650043392%7Ctwgr%5E1f37c0168cf0611c73cdb36a1e4f39ccde4d631a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewrap.com%2Fbob-iger-bob-chapek-disney-hollywood-reacts%2F

Gad was not the only member of the Disney family to voice excitement about Chapek’s ouster. Matt Braly — the creator of Disney’s Amphibia — said that the entire animation industry was excited to see Iger back. Chapek was frequently criticized for stifling creativity by focusing more on live-action remakes than creating original animated stories.

I cannot tell you how elated the entire animation industry is to see this man gone lmao

https://twitter.com/Radrappy/status/1594554474961735680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1594554474961735680%7Ctwgr%5E1f37c0168cf0611c73cdb36a1e4f39ccde4d631a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thewrap.com%2Fbob-iger-bob-chapek-disney-hollywood-reacts%2F

Former Disney Imagineer, Tom K. Morris, revealed that Chapek never took the time to get to know the creative people that kept Disney at the top — something every other CEO — including Bob Iger –did. Morris left Disney during Chapek’s tenure.

I don’t cry about why I’m not at WDI anymore bc I did feel it was time to leave, but that guy never even took 30 secs to stop in and introduce himself let alone learn my history or what I had accomplished, something all the other park leaders and CEO’s made it a point to do. ??

https://twitter.com/TomKMorris/status/1594534898982797312?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1594534898982797312%7Ctwgr%5Ec00a04b7377fd31729dbe74bbf677cd96fc9f9a1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.disneyfoodblog.com%2F2022%2F11%2F21%2Fcelebrities-react-to-disneys-decision-to-bring-bob-iger-back-as-ceo%2F

Per his contract, Iger will only remain with The Walt Disney Company until December 31, 2024. This is presumably to give him enough time to find an adequate replacement. Prior reports stated that Iger never wanted Chapek to take over as CEO, but was pressured by Disney’s Board of Directors to name a replacement. Iger even went so far as to call Chapek’s appointment one of his “worst business decisions”.

Krysten Swensen

A born and bred New England girl living the Disney life in Southern California. I love to read, to watch The Golden Girls, and love everything to do with Disney and Universal. I also love to share daily doses of Disney on my Disney Instagram @BrazzleDazzleDisney!

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