Source: Disney. Following the shocking announcement that lovable Disney CEO Bob Iger will step down effective immediately, Twitter naturally had some strong opinions. People were particularly shocked at the suddenness of the announcement, though others were quick to point out that Iger has been talking about his retirement for quite a few years now.
Others were simply thrilled that his replacement Bob Chapek (former Chairman of Parks, Experiences, and Products) shared the same first name, leading to some meme-worthy content.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
Some users were optimistic about the appointment of Chapek as Iger’s replacement as Chief Executive Officer, citing his work with the theme parks as a positive.
Related: “Who is Bob Chapek?” Meet the New CEO of the Walt Disney Company
The fact that Bob Iger is being replaced by the guy who heads up the theme parks gives me some comfort that Disneyland and the other parks won't suffer in the new regime: https://t.co/e7eNflRGHu
— Ryan McCaffrey (@DMC_Ryan) February 25, 2020
Others were sad to see Bob Iger go. He’s certainly a famous face, and he’s become synonymous with the Walt Disney Company. It’s pretty mad (and sad) that he won’t be around post-2021.
I love Bob Iger so this is sad, just make Brie Larson the new CEO of the Walt Disney Company ?? #BobIger pic.twitter.com/oizhYoJ4vE
— Tiphany #PositivityGang (@BrieisTea) February 25, 2020
Of course, there were those who saw the meme value in the fact that Bob Iger shares the same first name with his replacement, Bob Chapek. I mean, I guess it is pretty funny?
Related: Bob Chapek says “10 hour waits” are not a sign of success at Disney Parks
from now on, bob iger will be called "old bob" and bob chapek will be called "new bob".
— ???́????. (@driversfilm) February 25, 2020
Some fans were quick to point out that this isn’t new news. Bob Iger has been talking about his retirement for quite some time, though we’d argue that the whole ‘effective immediately’ thing makes at least a little suspicious.
Anyone who thinks today’s Disney CEO news is “sudden” hasn’t been paying attention. Bob Iger has had previous plans to retire. The Fox merger delayed his most recent plan to leave (in June 2019). Also, he’s going to be around for another 22 months…
— Clayton Sandell (@Clayton_Sandell) February 25, 2020
And of course, fans were quick to point to Iger’s multiple success stories during his tenure as CEO of the Walt Disney Company. There’s Pixar Animation Studios, the Fox deal, Lucasfilm (including Star Wars), and Marvel Studios (leading to the creation of the MCU). Oh, and that little streaming service thing that launched a while back.
However, this twitter user considered the Shanghai Disneyland Resort to be one of Iger’s crowning achievements:
Bob Iger always mentioned that Shanghai Disney Resort would be a high point for his legacy. This graphic sums it up well. What an era. $DIS pic.twitter.com/RutkjWQZ89
— Boardwalk Times (@BoardwalkTimes) February 25, 2020
What do you think about Bob Iger’s seemingly sudden departure from the position of Chief Executive Officer? Will you miss him as the Disney CEO, or is it time for a change? Whatever you think, comment below or tweet us at @InsidetheMagic.