Jimmy Kimmel was in attendance at this year’s Disney upfronts, where the comedian entertained everyone with his comedic gags. During the upfronts, Kimmel touched upon several topics surrounding the entertainment conglomerate, including aiming some zingers at Disney boss Bob Iger.
Kimmel made some light-hearted and humorous comments about Iger. Moreover, with Iger recently coming out of a civil war for control over the company, in which he was backed by George Lucas, Kimmel’s jokes proved to be a hilarious take on the state of Disney’s leadership. Here is what Kimmel said about Iger at this year’s upfronts.
Jimmy Kimmel Roasts Disney Boss Bob Iger at Disney Upfronts
Jimmy Kimmel took the stage during the 2024 Disney upfronts, where he performed a comedy bit, roasting several figures within the media conglomerate. During his stand-up bit, Kimmel also fired some shots as Bob Iger, who is currently the CEO of Disney, since his return to the company in November 2022.
“For Bob Iger, this guy, he should be retired by now. You should be off on a yacht somewhere. Instead, he’s here pretending to be excited about a new season of Will f***ing Trent.”
Kimmel made the above joke (via Variety) about Iger, referring to his initial retirement and eventual return to the company.
At the same time, Kimmel also joked that the only person who could replace Iger at Disney was an AI version of Iger. Kimmel also cracked a joke about Disney planning to sell ABC, the home network for Kimmel’s late-night talk show. Thus, Kimmel did not hold back while joking about the current state of Disney’s leadership.
George Lucas Backed Bob Iger During Civil War With Nelson Peltz
Despite Kimmel’s jokes aimed at Iger, mostly made fun of the latter’s role as the company’s primary leader, which came under threat in light of the recent civil war over control of Disney. In early 2024, a bitter proxy battle ensued between Iger and activist investor Nelson Peltz.
In January 2024, Peltz made a case for him to join the company’s board of directors while also bashing the current leadership under Iger. Peltz also called for the replacement of two existing board members, which might have jeopardized Iger’s second reign as the company’s CEO.
Amidst the battle for control over the board, filmmaker George Lucas came out in support of Iger. Lucas, who is currently one of the largest individual investors in the company, backed Iger by lending his votes to the current board, playing a major role in the proxy battle.
“I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s track record of driving long-term value.”
Lucas made the above statement (via CNBC), confirming that he was on Iger’s side during the proxy battle and wholeheartedly supported the current leadership.
Lucas became a shareholder in the company after selling Lucasfilm and its assets to Disney in 2012. Thus, it is safe to say that Iger escaped the civil war with Lucas’ backing. Moreover, Kimmel’s jokes about Iger staying put at Disney were a reflection of his victory in the proxy battle, which also highlighted the company and its shareholders’ continued faith in Iger’s leadership.
