Credit: Video Screenshot, 'The Late Show With Stephen Colbert', CBSIt’s been quite a few weeks for late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. He went from being taken off the air to creating an entire crusade to bring him back, and now he has one of the highest-rated shows in late-night.
The roller coaster ride stopped at the Screentime Conference in Los Angeles on Wednesday to discuss a variety of topics, including his suspension over his comments about Charlie Kirk. However, as the interview came to an end, he was asked about the Disney succession drama and let his feelings be known over who he believed was the frontrunner.
In recent weeks, reports have emerged that the head of Disney Parks, Josh D’Amaro, was the clear frontrunner for the job; however, current Disney CEO Bob Iger told insiders that the Board of Directors still has not decided who will succeed him when his contract runs out at the end of 2026.
For Kimmel’s money, the real choice to replace Iger would be Dana Walden, the Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment. Kimmel said, “I happen to love Dana Walden very much, and I think she’s done a great job.”
Kimmel admitted that after his suspension and the subsequent issues with the Trump Administration and local affiliate owners, it would be unwise for him to discuss succession at Disney. However, he continued anyway.
“I think what has happened over the last like three weeks was very unfair to my bosses at Disney,” Kimmel continued. “I don’t think anyone should ever be put in a position like this. It is insane, and I hope that we drew a really, really bold red line as Americans about what we will and will not accept, and really hope that that’s what comes out of all of it.”
Kimmel told the audience that during his suspension, he had “very good conversations” with Walden and Iger as they worked on returning him to ABC. Kimmel also credited Walden with helping him see the bigger picture and calming his “reactionary nature,” ultimately leading to his return.
Disney is expected to announce its next CEO in the coming months, with Walden and D’Amaro emerging as the frontrunners. However, at this point, it’s anyone’s guess who will get the job.
What do you think of Dana Walden getting the job as Disney’s next CEO? Let us know in the comments.