The 2025 Walt Disney Company Annual Shareholders Meeting delivered major announcements and a forward-looking strategy that highlights the company’s commitment to creativity, technology, and growth. CEO Bob Iger took the stage (via a pre-recorded message from Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, CA) and unveiled a wide range of exciting developments across streaming, theatrical releases, theme parks, and more.
Creativity Meets Technology
Iger emphasized Disney’s “perfect marriage of exceptional creativity and groundbreaking technology,” a theme that runs through every division of the company. Standing alongside a flock of BDX droids—soon to be featured in The Mandalorian and Grogu—he illustrated how innovation helps Disney tell stories in new and immersive ways.
2024 Box Office Highlights and Awards
2024 was a banner year for Disney Studios. Iger cited the company’s success with three of the top-grossing films: Inside Out 2, Deadpool & Wolverine, and Moana 2. This creative resurgence came from a reorganization that placed creativity back at the center of Disney’s studios.
The year also brought critical acclaim, with a record-breaking 60 Emmy Awards and 15 Oscar nominations. Kieran Culkin’s win for Best Supporting Actor in A Real Pain was a standout among many accolades.
Major Film Announcements
In a surprise reveal, Iger confirmed that Coco 2 is officially in development at Pixar. The sequel will reunite director Lee Unkrich, co-director Adrian Molina, and producer Mark Nielsen. While the project is still in early development, Iger assured shareholders it would be filled with “humor, heart, and adventure.”
Disney+ Becomes the Ultimate Streaming Destination
Iger reaffirmed the company’s commitment to making Disney+ the central hub for all of Disney’s content. With Hulu and ESPN now integrated into Disney+, users get seamless access to an expanded library of content, including upcoming films and live sports.
Later this year, ESPN will launch a new direct-to-consumer platform inside Disney+, giving subscribers access to ESPN’s full network lineup and live sports coverage—all in one place.
Epic Theme Park Expansions
The meeting also brought updates on massive investments in Disney’s Experiences segment:
- Magic Kingdom is undergoing its largest expansion ever, including new lands inspired by Cars and Disney Villains.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios will debut a Monsters, Inc. land featuring the first-ever vertical lift coaster.
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom is adding a new Tropical Americas land, with experiences based on Encanto and Indiana Jones.
- Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure is set to double in size.
- Disney Cruise Line is expanding its fleet to double capacity.
These investments are expected to drive growth, create jobs, and deliver unforgettable guest experiences.
Games, Giving, and Global Impact
Beyond parks and streaming, Disney announced a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, aiming to build a transformative gaming and entertainment universe within Fortnite.
Iger also celebrated Disney’s philanthropic impact. From supporting veterans and granting wishes for critically ill children to mobilizing disaster relief and helping children’s hospitals, the company continues to make a positive difference.
Looking Ahead
“There’s never been a better time to be a storyteller,” Iger concluded. As Disney continues to blend technology with timeless storytelling, the future promises bold adventures, beloved characters, and groundbreaking experiences.
