Let’s take a look at the Disney MVP’s of 2019. The most valuable players for The Walt Disney Company, and how their executive and creative roles impacted the company in significant ways.
Bob Iger
2019 was supposed to be Iger’s final year as CEO of Disney. You can tell by how massive some of these projects are. Iger oversaw Disney this year as the MCU dominated the box office, Galaxy’s Edge launched on both coasts and the debut of Disney+. Also, the film slate featured many blockbuster films and big conclusions.
Not to mention during all of this Bob Iger promoted his book The Ride of a Lifetime which chronicled his career at Disney. Iger also got Oprah’s endorsement for president (even though Iger isn’t pursuing politics now). TIME also named Bob Iger “Businessperson of the Year.” It was overall a great year for Bob Iger, and he’s definitely one of the MVP’s for Disney this year.
Alan Horn
Along with Bob Iger among other creatives and executives. Horn was able to engineer 2019 into one of the biggest blockbuster years for the company. Iger in his book says Horn was his best hire ever, and looking at what they have accomplished on the studio side it’s hard to question that.
Kevin Feige
Marvel Studios might have become one of Disney’s biggest assets when it comes to creating another beloved brand. Kevin Feige oversaw Captain Marvel, Avengers Endgame, and Spider-Man: Far From Home (even though profits went to Sony too). Feige also impressed at San Diego Comic-Con and D23 Expo with stellar announcements regarding the future of the MCU.
Feige was also promoted to Chief Creative Officer at Marvel. Oh, and by the way, he’s working on a Star Wars film too.
Jennifer Lee
Now the Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios. Lee’s overall direction looks bold as Disney will release Raya and the Last Dragon in 2020. Lee also directed Frozen II, which expanded upon the beloved film. Lee looks to continue to guide Walt Disney Animation Studios into a new era. Including using the studio to create content for Disney+.
Jon Favreau
I’ve said it many times but if Disney ever wanted a full-time Chief Creative Officer that oversaw all of their properties. Favreau would be at the top of my list. Favreau this year alone directed The Lion King remake for Disney and created The Mandalorian for Disney+. Two massive success stories. He also starred in Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home. Favreau was also named a Disney Legend this year. Favreau has a clear understanding of Disney history and its businesses also. This year, in particular, he was super valuable to the company.
Scott Trowbridge
Trowbridge oversaw the design and creation of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, one of the most ambitious lands ever created by Walt Disney Imagineering. Which comes with easily one of the greatest attractions/experiences ever designed in Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Trowbridge is overseeing all-new Star Wars projects at Disney Parks including the first-ever Star Wars resort the Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser, which will bring even more immersive Star Wars experiences to guests. Trowbridge is definitely an MVP for Disney in 2019.
J.J. Abrams and Kathleen Kennedy
They stuck the landing. The Rise of Skywalker wrapped up the Skywalker saga. Kathleen Kennedy continued to guide Lucasfilm in 2019 with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opening at the Disney Parks, The Rise of Skywalker, new Disney+ series The Mandalorian among announcements that there will be a Cassian Andor series and an Obi-Wan Kenobi series as well. Lucasfilm is also developing its first outside project from Star Wars and Indiana Jones in a long time and their first under Disney.
J.J. came back to finish what he started. Now he’s off to WarnerMedia to go play in the HBO Max/DC Entertainment sandbox but still, I wouldn’t rule out a return to Star Wars for J.J.
Both Kathleen Kennedy and J.J. Abrams were valuable players to The Walt Disney Company this year.
Honorable Mentions: Bob Chapek and Kevin Mayer
As succession heats up for The Walt Disney Company. Both Kevin Mayer and Bob Chapek get honorable mentions on this MVP list. Both did some interesting things in 2019 but I don’t think it would be right to give either an MVP title for now. Mayer launched Disney+, and it went over well with Wall Street and fans. Mayer still has to guide the new streaming service into the future though.
Chapek was able to guide a newly merged division of Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products into the future with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge on both coasts among other new developments. One development that will be huge is the Avengers Campus at Disney’s California Adventure.
For now, it looks like Mayer and Chapek are the front runners to replace Bob Iger. Yet, a lot can change before 2021. Tom Staggs looked like a sure bet before too. New candidates can emerge before Iger steps down in 2021.
The Wrap-Up
So, there you have it those are my Disney MVP’s of 2019. It’s going to be a fascinating 2020 for Disney because it will be hard to replicate the amount of success they had in 2019.
Maybe some new MVP’s emerge in 2020.
Zach Perilstein is the Editor-in-Chief of the Boardwalk Times
