During the SAG-AFTRA strike last year, Tatiana Maslany, the star of “She-Hulk,” gained viral attention when she publicly criticized Disney CEO Bob Iger for his controversial remarks about the Hollywood work stoppage. Her bold stance against Iger, who she believed to be “completely out of touch,” generated even more buzz considering that “She-Hulk” is a Marvel series backed by Disney and streamed exclusively on Disney+.
“In those moments, you get so worked up,” Maslany explained when reflecting on her choice to publicly criticize Iger months later. “It’s difficult to express yourself in the way you want when you’re out there on the picket line with everyone.”
While on the SAG-AFTRA picket line in New York City last July, Maslany expressed her thoughts on Iger’s comments to The Hollywood Reporter. She firmly stated, “I believe he lacks understanding and awareness. He fails to recognize the hardworking individuals who bring his shows to life, attract viewers, and generate profits for him.”
During a July 13 interview with CNBC’s David Faber at the Sun Valley Conference, Iger faced backlash for his comments about the Hollywood strikes. He stated that the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikers were not being “realistic” with their demands.
Bob Iger, who emerged victorious from a fierce proxy fight, emphasizes that the Disney board has made CEO succession its top priority. He states that they are approaching this matter with a strong sense of urgency.
Iger expressed understanding of labor organizations’ desire to advocate for fair compensation for their members based on the value they bring. He highlighted the successful negotiation between the industry and the directors guild, which resulted in a favorable deal that recognized the directors’ contributions to the business. Similarly, Iger expressed the intention to achieve similar outcomes for writers and actors. However, he also acknowledged that there are unrealistic expectations from some actors that add to the already existing challenges in the industry, causing significant disruptions.
Iger faced significant backlash from the industry following his remarks. In an interview with Variety, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher criticized him extensively.
When questioned about Iger’s remarks, Drescher expressed her strong disapproval, finding them repugnant and out of touch. She believed that these comments did not reflect well on him and criticized his lack of understanding of the realities faced by hardworking individuals who earn significantly lower salaries than him. Drescher suggested that if she were in charge, she would keep him isolated from public statements, as his wealth and disconnect from ordinary people were evident.
There has been no official announcement from Disney and Marvel regarding a potential second season of “She-Hulk” starring Tatiana Maslany. Furthermore, Maslany herself has not revealed any information about her future appearances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Disney’s Proxy Fight With Nelson Peltz Comes to a Close, but Scrutiny Will Continue: Bob Iger Celebrates a Turnaround
In a pre-taped victory lap, Disney’s CEO Bob Iger proclaimed the end of the proxy fight with activist investor Nelson Peltz. Iger confidently stated, “We have turned the corner.” However, despite the resolution of the dispute, the scrutiny surrounding Disney’s corporate governance practices is expected to persist.
This victory comes after Peltz withdrew his bid for a board seat at Disney’s annual shareholders’ meeting. The renowned investor had been pushing for changes in the company’s management structure and strategic direction. While the proxy fight may be over, the issues raised by Peltz have sparked ongoing discussions about the future of Disney and the role of its leadership.
Iger, who is set to step down as CEO in 2021, has been credited with leading Disney through a period of significant growth and expansion. Under his leadership, the company has acquired major assets like Lucasfilm, Marvel, and most recently, 21st Century Fox. However, Peltz’s criticisms highlighted concerns about the board’s independence and the need for fresh perspectives in decision-making processes.
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