Disney Chief Robert Iger Defends Marvel Movies Against Hollywood Critics
October 23 2019 - 12:51AM
Dow Jones News
By Erich Schwartzel
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. -- Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Robert
Iger pushed back forcefully at criticism from acclaimed Hollywood
directors Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola about Marvel
Studios' superhero movies, saying he was "puzzled by it" and that
they failed to appreciate the impact the films have on
audiences.
Mr. Scorsese, known for movies such as "Goodfellas" and "Raging
Bull," had said earlier this month the productions were more like
"theme parks" than cinema. Mr. Coppola this week called them
despicable.
"I reserve the word 'despicable' for someone who committed mass
murder," said Mr. Iger, speaking at the WSJ Tech Live conference in
Laguna Beach, Calif. "These are movies."
"They want to bitch about movies, it's certainly their right,"
Mr. Iger added, saying he'd gladly put those directors' movies up
against features directed for Marvel by Taika Waititi and Ryan
Coogler.
Mr. Iger is weeks away from launching his company's Disney+
streaming service, a dramatic shift in strategy for a company that
for years has profited handsomely from the traditional TV and movie
business. Disney+ will feature Disney movies and television shows
for a $6.99 monthly subscription. The launch of a flagship
streaming service has reoriented his company's managerial ranks and
prompted an influx of production in anticipation of the Nov. 12
launch.
Mr. Iger said he is piloting the service himself. He spent two
hours on Tuesday exploring the app and offering notes to engineers.
His feedback: Make the product rely less on algorithms to predict
what consumers want.
Mr. Iger's idea came after he had clicked on a category called
"Mickey Mouse Through the Years." In addition to Mickey Mouse
programs, the app serviced up related suggestions, including Pixar
Animation Studios features.
"I think if people are clicking on Mickey Mouse, they mostly
want Mickey Mouse," he said.
Mr. Iger has delayed retirement several times but is now
scheduled to step down in 2021. He said the Disney board discusses
succession and potential CEO candidates at each meeting, adding
that he expects the handover to go more smoothly than the
protracted interview process that preceded him getting the top
job.
"I hope it is a more clear-cut decision," said Mr. Iger.
(More to come.)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
October 23, 2019 00:36 ET (04:36 GMT)
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