Peter Bart: Shakespearean Subplots Threaten Bob Iger’s Second Act
deadline.comWhen Michael Eisner was making a ceremonial exit as Disney’s CEO in 2005 he acknowledged that the intrigues of succession had become “Shakespearean.” Rival corporate factions were vying for power.
Some insiders were persuaded that Eisner never would actually depart. Eisner himself heightened the drama by “forgetting” to introduce his announced successor, Bob Iger, at key functions.
Iger famously stormed out from one of them. Wall Street, too, was nervous about a transition. Under Eisner’s 20-year reign Disney’s revenues had increased from $1.6 billion to $30 billion and major investors doubted whether Iger or anyone else could successfully govern such a politicized Disney.
Veteran employees openly yearned for a return to the peace and focus of old Walt’s tenure. They still do. Now, with Iger assuming the helm a second time, some Disney denizens see similar Shakespearean subplots re-intruding in the script.
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