As the Disney board proxy battle intensifies, activist investor Nelson Peltz has voiced criticism against what he perceives as Disney’s “woke” film strategy, particularly citing Black Panther and The Marvels.
In a recent interview with The Financial Times, Peltz questioned the direction set by Marvel chief Kevin Feige and Disney CEO Bob Iger. While expressing no desire to remove either leader, Peltz raised concerns about the longevity of Feige’s tenure and the overall strategic approach to movie-making. “People seek entertainment when they watch movies or shows, not messages,” Peltz remarked.
He further questioned the need for solely female-centric Marvel productions and all-Black cast films, drawing parallels to former Marvel Entertainment chairman Ike Perlmutter, who supports Peltz’s proxy fight.
Disney remains steadfast in its commitment to diversity in its film lineup, citing the success of Black Panther and Captain Marvel. In a letter to shareholders titled “Oh, Nelson,” the company defended Feige’s track record and criticized Peltz’s perspectives as potentially harmful to Disney’s boardroom dynamics.
Both sides have garnered support ahead of the April 3 board meeting, with influential advisory firm Institutional Shareholder Services recommending Peltz’s inclusion on Disney’s board of directors.
