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A review by ifyouhappentoremember
DisneyWar by James B. Stewart
4.0
I can not be the only person who has fallen down the YouTube rabbit hole of Disney Video Essays. In the videos that focus on Michael Eisner era of Disney, this book is frequently cited as a source. I got curious enough, that I decided to read it for myself.
And what a source this book is! It’s absolutely insane that Stewart had insider access to Eisner’s downfall, I’m surprised that Disney didn’t revoke the access while all of this was occurring. This is truly an unsparing portrait of Michael Eisner. He comes off as a man obsessed with maintaining his own power and authority - and he’ll do anything to keep it. It’s very telling that he was unable to delegate responsibility to his other executives and pitted his executives against each other. He didn’t trust anyone because he assumed that they’d try to stab him in the back. Even if it means he has to lie, obfuscate the truth, or destroy longtime friendships and working relationships, I suppose to him, it was all worth it.
What unfolds in this book is pure drama (and it’s only heightened by the fact that at the end of the day, this is over a company who is best known for their theme parks and movies aimed at children). The interpersonal drama is very reminiscent of the television series Succession.
It’s almost 20 years since that fateful board meeting which resulted in Eisner announcing that he would step down as CEO of Disney. There is so much that has changed in the entertainment landscape since this book’s publication.
We now know that Bob Iger takes over as CEO as Disney and oversees an explosion of growth fueled by buying Intellectual Property such as Star Wars and Marvel. We are also aware of potential problems on the horizon due to disappointing box office grosses from their 2023 releases and the complex legal problems caused by the battle with Florida’s government Ron Desantis.
Yet, nothing really has changed. I’m sure the day-to-day drama still remains extremely dumb. Disney still puts their bottom line above quality or customer experience (I’m thinking of Genie + when I write this sentence).
I think we are overdue for another fly on the wall business book about Disney’s current executive leadership, but considering the blood bath Stewart was a witness to, I doubt it will happen.
And what a source this book is! It’s absolutely insane that Stewart had insider access to Eisner’s downfall, I’m surprised that Disney didn’t revoke the access while all of this was occurring. This is truly an unsparing portrait of Michael Eisner. He comes off as a man obsessed with maintaining his own power and authority - and he’ll do anything to keep it. It’s very telling that he was unable to delegate responsibility to his other executives and pitted his executives against each other. He didn’t trust anyone because he assumed that they’d try to stab him in the back. Even if it means he has to lie, obfuscate the truth, or destroy longtime friendships and working relationships, I suppose to him, it was all worth it.
What unfolds in this book is pure drama (and it’s only heightened by the fact that at the end of the day, this is over a company who is best known for their theme parks and movies aimed at children). The interpersonal drama is very reminiscent of the television series Succession.
It’s almost 20 years since that fateful board meeting which resulted in Eisner announcing that he would step down as CEO of Disney. There is so much that has changed in the entertainment landscape since this book’s publication.
We now know that Bob Iger takes over as CEO as Disney and oversees an explosion of growth fueled by buying Intellectual Property such as Star Wars and Marvel. We are also aware of potential problems on the horizon due to disappointing box office grosses from their 2023 releases and the complex legal problems caused by the battle with Florida’s government Ron Desantis.
Yet, nothing really has changed. I’m sure the day-to-day drama still remains extremely dumb. Disney still puts their bottom line above quality or customer experience (I’m thinking of Genie + when I write this sentence).
I think we are overdue for another fly on the wall business book about Disney’s current executive leadership, but considering the blood bath Stewart was a witness to, I doubt it will happen.