Disney is one of the many companies people would do anything to work for. After all, who wouldn’t want to be part of all the magic they create? Billionaire and investor Nelson Peltz surely knows what we are talking about as he is currently eyeing not one but two Disney board seats. However, it looks like he might have said something that is going to cost him the deal.
We all know very well that Marvel Studios is an extremely crucial component of Disney thanks to its track record at the box office and an insane fanbase. So, when Nelson Peltz decided to come for the studio’s throat by targeting The Marvels and Black Panther, he probably didn’t know that could end up costing him the board seats.
Nelson Peltz Attacks the Marvel Studios
It looks like the Marvel Cinematic Universe just got itself its newest antagonist in the shape and form of billionaire investor Nelson Peltz. Peltz is currently looking forward to winning two board seats at Disney, but his approach seems rather, well, let’s just say unique.
Talking to Financial Times, Peltz took a dig at Marvel Studios and its president, Kevin Feige, suggesting a change in management. In Peltz’s opinion, Marvel Studios has fallen from the top spot in the last few years, and altering the management might fix the problem.
“They say we know nothing about the movie business – we don’t claim we do – but I don’t think they do, with five big losers in a row,” Peltz said. “They’ve lost first place in animation, they’ve lost first place in features. Maybe it’s time to change management in those divisions.”
Next, Peltz took a dig at the apparent wokeness in the MCU stating that there is no real need for an all-women leading cast, like in The Marvels, or an all-Black cast, like in Black Panther. When asked if he believed it was “time for Kevin Feige to go,” Peltz stated,
“I’m not ready to say that, but I question his record. People go to watch a movie or a show to be entertained. They don’t go to get a message. Why do I have to have a Marvel that’s all women? Not that I have anything against women, but why do I have to do that? Why can’t I have Marvels that are both? Why do I need an all-Black cast?”
While some would agree with Peltz’s point of view, it is worth noting that The Marvels and Black Panther are just a few movies amongst many in the MCU. Not to mention that the latter performed wonders at the box office and was even nominated at the Oscars. Peltz’s comments might strike a nerve amongst many Marvel fans who love the superhero universe, taking a stand for diversity and positive representation.
Nelson Peltz Might Have to Face Consequences for His Words at Disney
After Peltz made such grave comments about Disney, Marvel Studios, in particular, the company was not going to sit quietly. In a letter shared to the shareholders of the company titled, “Oh, Nelson”, Disney addressed Peltz’s words about Marvel Studios stating, “Imagine the damage Peltz would do to Disney’s boardroom with these perspectives.” (Via The Hollywood Reporter).
Disney then went on to state that Peltz and his “silent partner” Ike Perlmutter would “harm” the company. The letter also spoke in favor of Feige asserting, “Kevin Feige has an unparalleled track record at Marvel, generating ~$30bn in global box office.” Clearly, Disney is not fond of Peltz.
Peltz found himself under fire from the fans as well, who stood steadfast in support of the MCU and its choices. One fan even pointed out Peltz’s contribution in hiring a white cast for M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender. The 2010 film was criticized for having white actors instead of Asian/Indigenous cast members. Reports state that it was because of Peltz that Katara was played by none other than his daughter, Nicola Peltz.
Take a look at what fans have to say about Peltz’s comments:
this is the guy who forced M. Night to cast a white girl as Katara (she’s his daughter) https://t.co/zbAOKPFYhG pic.twitter.com/7WrUmUbnkl
— SMSam🏳️🌈🇵🇸 (@SuperMutantSam1) March 25, 2024
What he's really saying
"Why do we have to make superhero movies where the heros aren't all White men?"
— J (@alwaysbored34) March 25, 2024
men get literally everything damn let women have something. it’s not “wokeness” you’re just sexist
— Honest Andrew 🥀 (@andrewscomet) March 25, 2024
White men can't stand to see anyone other than themselves succeed.
— Grace (@grace_hackney) March 25, 2024
Black panther doesnt have an all black cast and if it did, IT TAKES PLACE IN AN AFRICAN COUNTRY. The marvels is connected and based on the comics where all 3 of the leads are always tied into each others comics. ITS ALSO 1 of OVER 30 MOVIES!
— Saunseii 🥱 (@Legend_Killa_29) March 25, 2024
It’s almost as if Marvel has more than one target audience 🤯
— Blake The Concerned (@ConcernedBlake) March 25, 2024
After the controversy, do you think Peltz still has a chance at getting a board seat at Disney? Or will his unfiltered comments end up costing him heavily? It won’t be long before we know the results as the final decision will be made on April 03.
You can stream The Marvels and Black Panther on Disney+.
