DisneyWar
| Industry | Media and entertainment |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1923 |
| Founder | Walt Disney, Roy O. Disney |
Key people | Michael Eisner (former CEO), Bob Iger (CEO) |
| Products | Animated films, theme parks, television networks, media networks |
DisneyWar is a 2005 investigative work by James B. Stewart that examines Michael Eisner's two-decade leadership as chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. The narrative explores the professional journeys and relationships of prominent Disney figures including Card Walker, Ron W. Miller, Roy E. Disney, Frank Wells, Jeffrey Katzenberg, Michael Ovitz, Joe Roth, Bob Iger, and Stan Kinsey. Released by Simon & Schuster, the book is notable for Stewart’s comprehensive insider access.
Initially scheduled for publication on March 7, 2005, the release date was advanced to February 9 in response to retailer demand and an unauthorized manuscript leak. This change aligned with Disney’s yearly shareholders meeting held at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Just prior to publication, Eisner ceased all communication with Stewart.
Content
The book chronicles key corporate developments such as:
- The 1984 removal of CEO Ron W. Miller orchestrated by Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold.
- Disputes between Stan Kinsey and Jeffrey Katzenberg regarding computer-generated animation projects.
- The difficulties encountered in delivering Who Framed Roger Rabbit within its intended timeline and budget despite complex creative goals.
- Eisner’s turbulent interactions with executives including Frank Wells, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and the briefly tenured president Michael Ovitz.
- The early divestiture of domestic and international rights to The Sixth Sense (1999), which became a blockbuster, alongside the dismissal of the executive responsible.
- The acquisition and subsequent underperformance of the ABC Family network.
- Eisner’s initial reluctance to proceed with the first Pirates of the Caribbean installment.
- The sudden resignation of Roy E. Disney in November 2003.
- Comcast’s attempted hostile takeover bid.
- Compensation disputes leading to Hilary Duff leaving the Disney Channel.
- The conclusion of Disney’s collaboration with Pixar.
- Funding provided for the 2004 documentary Fahrenheit 9/11.
- The critical 2004 shareholders’ meeting that culminated in Eisner stepping down as chairman.
At the time DisneyWar was released, Eisner still held the CEO position but resigned from that role in March 2005, transferring leadership to Bob Iger shortly thereafter.
Reviews
David Lieberman of USA Today described DisneyWar as a compelling narrative, recognizing Stewart as a skilled storyteller who portrayed a company marked by influential executives amid shareholder dissatisfaction.