t The Walt Disney Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, CEO Bob Iger emphasized the company’s “perfect marriage of exceptional creativity and groundbreaking technological achievement.” Speaking from Walt Disney Imagineering headquarters in Glendale, California, Iger reflected on Disney’s innovative legacy and revealed exciting new developments across all segments of the company.
A New Era of Imaginative Technology
Joined by a group of BDX droids, Iger showcased how Disney’s technological advancements—seen in Disneyland and now heading to the big screen in The Mandalorian and Grogu—expand storytelling possibilities. These innovations highlight how Disney continues to combine technology with creativity to deliver immersive experiences.
Box Office Success and Studio Accolades
2024 marked an “outstanding year” for Disney’s theatrical business, which thrived following a reorganization that put creativity at the center of its studios. The year’s top three films were:
- Inside Out 2 (Pixar)
- Deadpool & Wolverine (Marvel)
- Moana 2 (Walt Disney Animation Studios)
Disney also made waves during awards season with 60 Emmy® wins, led by Shōgun and The Bear, and 15 Oscar® nominations, including Kieran Culkin’s Best Supporting Actor win for A Real Pain (Searchlight Pictures).
Among the most exciting announcements: Pixar’s Coco 2 is officially in development. Iger confirmed that the beloved story will continue, promising a film full of “humor, heart, and adventure.” Fans of Miguel and the Land of the Dead can look forward to more emotional storytelling in the future.
Streaming: All Your Favorites in One Place
Iger reinforced Disney’s goal to make Disney+ the ultimate streaming destination. By combining content from Disney, Hulu, and ESPN, the platform now offers a streamlined experience for bundle subscribers. In early fall, ESPN’s direct-to-consumer offering will launch inside Disney+, giving fans access to ESPN networks and ESPN+.
Expanding Disney Experiences
Iger shared details on Disney’s largest slate of global theme park projects to date. Highlights include:
- A massive Magic Kingdom expansion with lands themed to Cars and Disney Villains
- A Monsters, Inc. land with Disney’s first vertical lift coaster at Hollywood Studios
- A new Tropical Americas land at Animal Kingdom, featuring attractions from Encanto and Indiana Jones
- An expanded Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure
Disney Cruise Line is also growing rapidly, aiming to double guest capacity worldwide. Iger tied these efforts to both magical guest experiences and positive economic impact through job creation.
Investing in the Future of Play
Disney announced a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games to co-create a revolutionary entertainment universe inside Fortnite. This strategic move will let fans experience Disney’s iconic franchises in new, interactive ways.
Creating Positive Impact
Disney remains committed to social responsibility. Following California’s devastating wildfires, Disney contributed $15 million to relief efforts. Iger praised employees and Disney VoluntEARS for organizing one of the largest relief drives in company history.
He also highlighted:
- Disney’s leadership in Make-A-Wish partnerships
- $100 million fulfilled in commitments to improve children’s hospitals
- Ongoing support for veterans and military families
A Bright Future Ahead
Iger concluded with a message of optimism: “Thanks to modern technology, there’s never been a better time to be a storyteller.” With a renewed focus on quality, innovation, and immersive experiences, Disney remains poised for another century of magic.
