Could Will Netflix Be Disney’s Future? CEO Ted Sarandos Discusses Stepping into Bob Iger’s Role
With Disney under the spotlight as it seeks a replacement for CEO Bob Iger by 2026, speculation has buzzed over who might lead one of the most iconic companies in entertainment. Among names floated was Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, who many believed could bring his expertise in streaming to a media giant looking to revamp its approach in the digital age. But at a recent tech conference, Sarandos made it clear that a future at Disney isn’t on his radar, as he remains focused on furthering Netflix’s groundbreaking success.
Disney, a powerhouse of legendary franchises like Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, has faced a turbulent few years, with Iger returning from retirement in 2022 after the brief and controversial tenure of former CEO Bob Chapek. With Iger’s retirement set for late 2026, the company is taking its time to select his successor, aiming for a smooth transition after years of CEO-related drama. James Gorman, a veteran of Morgan Stanley, will officially step into the role of Disney’s board chair in January, taking over the reins on this high-profile search.
The Rise of Netflix under Sarandos
When asked if he’d consider the Disney role, Sarandos didn’t hesitate to clarify: he’s staying with Netflix, a platform he’s helped shape since its days as a DVD-by-mail service. Sarandos joined Netflix over 20 years ago and has been instrumental in guiding it from its physical DVD rentals to a subscription-based streaming giant now nearing 300 million subscribers worldwide.
At the WSJ Tech Live conference, Sarandos shared how Netflix’s rise was no easy feat. With hit series like Stranger Things, The Witcher, and Bridgerton, Sarandos has solidified Netflix’s reputation as a streaming heavyweight and creative innovator. Under his leadership, Netflix wasn’t just an early player in the streaming game; it became a cultural phenomenon, producing globally successful shows that resonate with audiences across borders. Squid Game, for example, became the most-watched series ever on the platform, proving Netflix’s ability to produce not only English-language hits but also international sensations.
Sarandos also emphasized how Netflix’s unique approach to creative freedom for its talent and partnerships has been crucial in attracting some of Hollywood’s top storytellers, from Shonda Rhimes to Ryan Murphy. Sarandos and co-CEO Greg Peters have led Netflix to achieve unprecedented engagement numbers while innovating in new areas, such as interactive storytelling, true-crime series, and animated features that capture younger viewers.
Netflix’s “two-CEO” model also contributes to Sarandos’s continued dedication to the platform. He oversees content while Peters handles tech, an approach Sarandos says works because of their complementary strengths. “We’ve got two very distinctly different things that we have to accomplish,” Sarandos explained, with Peters focusing on the technological delivery and user experience, while he cultivates the creative programming side.
Disney’s Internal Candidates and Succession Plans
Internally, Disney is still considering its own seasoned executives for the role, with candidates like Dana Walden, co-chair of Disney Entertainment; Josh D’Amaro, head of Disney Parks; Jimmy Pitaro, chair of ESPN; and Alan Bergman, Disney’s film chief. Walden’s creative expertise and strong talent relationships have made her a favorite, while D’Amaro’s experience with Disney’s parks, a significant revenue source, positions him as another logical choice.
Gorman, who steps in as Disney’s board chair in January, will oversee this critical search and vetting process. The longtime Morgan Stanley executive is well-versed in CEO succession planning, having recently transitioned leadership within his own organization. His appointment signals Disney’s desire for a thorough and carefully executed handover, avoiding the turmoil that marked Iger’s exit and return just two years ago.
While Sarandos’s name in the running may have added an exciting twist to Disney’s search, his comments leave little room for speculation. “What we’re doing here at Netflix is so exciting,” he said, emphasizing that Netflix’s journey still has much farther to go, especially in the current streaming landscape where competition is at an all-time high.
What’s Next for Disney?
As Disney works to finalize its leadership by early 2026, the decision on Iger’s successor will likely shape the future of the company’s position in streaming, theatrical releases, and theme park experiences. Disney’s choice will need to balance the demands of a sprawling entertainment empire while steering it toward a digital-focused future. Iger’s extensive acquisitions, which saw Disney take on some of the entertainment world’s biggest franchises, means his successor has a legacy of big shoes to fill, not to mention the challenges of aligning Disney’s historic brands with the fast-evolving entertainment landscape.
As Hollywood watches Disney’s next steps, it’s clear that Sarandos will remain firmly with Netflix, focusing on building the platform’s global reach and continuing to push boundaries in streaming content.
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