How Disney is reacting to ex-CEO Bob Chapek's bitter memoir

Key Points:

• Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek’s memoir, "Behind the Castle Walls," is being viewed inside Disney as largely unremarkable and more of an attack on his predecessor and successor, Bob Iger, rather than a serious reflection on his tenure.
• Chapek’s book portrays Iger as undermining him during his three-year leadership, citing incidents such as Iger’s demeanor during their joint interview, private criticisms, and public actions during controversies like the "Don’t Say Gay" bill.
• The memoir defends Chapek’s handling of major missteps, including the public fallout with Scarlett Johansson over the "Black Widow" release, claiming he was sidelined and that Iger approved the harsh communications strategy.
• Disney insiders are skeptical of Chapek’s claims of innocence and view his tenure as flawed, while some sympathizers believe Chapek was unfairly treated due to Iger’s reluctance to fully relinquish control.
• Disney is more concerned about an upcoming book on Iger by Wall Street Journal reporter Robbie Whelan, which has prompted the company and Iger to prepare legal defenses, highlighting ongoing tensions over legacy and leadership narratives.