Disney CEO Bob Iger has said he is “personally committed” to finding a solution to end the SAG-AFTRA and writers’ guild strikes crippling Hollywood.
It comes after the renowned business executive called the striking actors’ and writers’ demands “unrealistic” at a billionaire’s retreat last month.
However, the mogul appeared to be taking a more diplomatic approach during a call to tell investors on Wednesday, “Nothing is more important to this company than its relationships with the creative community.
“That includes actors, writers, animators, directors and producers,” said Iger, who left Disney in 2020 only to return two years later.
“I have deep respect and appreciation for everyone who is vital to the extraordinary creative engine that powers this company and our industry.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has said he is “personally committed” to finding a solution to end the SAG-AFTRA and writers’ guild strikes crippling Hollywood
The dispute revolves around wages, the use of AI and residuals from streaming services such as Disney +
And I fervently hope that we find solutions soon to the problems that have kept us apart in recent months.
“And I am personally committed to working to achieve this result,” he added.
The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14 and iIt is the first time since 1980 that actors have started a labor dispute in America and the first time since 1960 that both actors and writers have gone on strike at the same time.
The ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike, now in its twenty-sixth day of protests, has seen many well-known actors show solidarity on the picket lines, including Richard Gere, Jason Sudeikis, Susan Sarandon, Vanessa Hudgens, Mandy Moore, Logan Lerman, America Ferrera and Josh Gad.
The dispute revolves around wages, the use of AI and residuals from streaming services such as Disney +.
Disney CEO Iger revealed that the company’s streaming platforms, including Disney+, Hulu and ESPN, posted a loss of $512 million in the second quarter.
Iger also said he expects total spending on Disney+ to fall this year due to the impact of strikes.
“We currently expect content spending for fiscal 2023 to be approximately $27 billion, which is lower than we previously anticipated due to lower spending on content produced, in part due to the writers and actors strikes,” said Iger.
Actress Mandy Moore can be seen on the picket lines outside the Disney Studios studios in Burbank
SAG/AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree Ireland, Sean Penn and Emile Hirsch on the picket lines outside Disney Studios Burbank this month
Iger recently extended his contract until 2026 and has hinted that he will retire at that point, once a proper successor has been found and appointed.
“I believe Disney’s long-term future is incredibly bright, but there is still more to be accomplished before this transformative work is completed,” Iger said in a statement last month.
“As I want to ensure Disney is strongly positioned when my successor takes over, I have agreed to the board’s request to remain CEO for an additional two years,” Iger continued.
It’s possible the company is looking for stability in making the decision to keep Iger around as their battle with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis continues.
Iger’s predecessor, Bob Chapek, was deeply disliked by fans, and the disdain only grew after the company became embroiled in a battle with DeSantis.
Chapek spoke out on behalf of the company against DeSanti’s “Don’t Say Gay” law after employees shared their outrage at the company’s initial silence.
The battle led to a full-fledged legal battle with both Disney and DeSantis filing lawsuits against each other over the company’s Reedy Creek Improvement District.
The district gives the company the authority to monitor zoning laws, operate its own police and fire departments, and more in Florida.
Iger has done little to remedy the situation with the presidential candidates, but said he would be open to talking to DeSantis.
“I don’t see this as a situation for us to go to the mattresses. If the governor of Florida would like to meet with me to discuss all this, I would of course be happy to do so,” Iger told Time magazine in April.