Restored Disney CEO blasts Bob Chapek for 'killing the soul of the company'

Iger asserted that Chapek had placed undue emphasis on the company streaming platform, Disney+, at the expense of its theme parks and other projects.

By Ben Whedon

Published: November 25, 2022 5:09pm

Updated: November 25, 2022 5:22pm

Returning Disney CEO Bob Iger reportedly derided many of predecessor Bob Chapek's major decisions and derided him for "killing the soul of the company," sources told the Wall Street Journal.

Iger asserted that Chapek had placed undue emphasis on the company streaming platform, Disney+, at the expense of its theme parks and other projects. He particularly lambasted Chapek's price hikes for tickets at Disney World and Disney Land, which were implemented to make up for lost revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ticket prices at Disney World are set to rise yet again on Dec. 8. At present, the most expensive ticket costs $159 but will soon rise to $189, the New York Post reported.

Disney announced Iger's return in November, following the announcement of major layoffs in the near future. Iger served as CEO from 2005-2020 and remained executive chairman until 2021.

Chapek's tenure saw the company face a number of setbacks, including a row with Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis over the state's "Don't Say Gay" bill after which the state revoked Disney World's self-governing status.