The Walt Disney Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders was nothing short of exciting, with CEO Bob Iger showcasing the company’s unique blend of creativity and technology. Speaking from Walt Disney Imagineering’s headquarters in Glendale, California, Iger emphasized how innovation has been at the heart of Disney’s storytelling since the days of Walt himself.
“Since the company’s earliest years under Walt, technology has always been viewed as a powerful storytelling tool, and innovation has been in our DNA since the start,” Iger said.
To drive that point home, Iger introduced a group of BDX droids, which have delighted guests at Disneyland and will soon appear on the big screen in The Mandalorian and Grogu, the highly anticipated Star Wars film set for release next year.
“Imaginative technology like this allows us to expand our creative abilities and tell our stories in compelling new ways, both in our parks and in our films and series,” Iger said.
This fusion of cutting-edge technology and world-class storytelling continues to fuel Disney’s success across multiple platforms, from movies to theme parks and beyond.
A Record-Setting Year for Disney Studios
Iger highlighted Disney’s strong performance in 2024, calling it an “outstanding year at the global box office” thanks to a creative resurgence at its studios. The three biggest films of the year all belonged to Disney: Inside Out 2 from Pixar, Deadpool & Wolverine from Marvel, and Moana 2 from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
But it wasn’t just commercial success—Disney also had a major impact on awards season. The company won a record-breaking 60 Emmy Awards, led by Shōgun and The Bear, and received 15 Oscar nominations. Kieran Culkin took home Best Supporting Actor for his role in A Real Pain, produced by Searchlight Pictures.
As for what’s next? Iger revealed that Pixar is working on a sequel to Coco, promising that while the project is still in early development, it will be filled with “humor, heart, and adventure.”
Disney+ Becomes the Ultimate Streaming Destination
No matter how Disney’s stories are told, they all eventually find a home on Disney+. Iger highlighted the platform’s evolution, particularly with the recent integration of Hulu and ESPN.
“With the recent additions of the Hulu and ESPN tiles on Disney+, we’ve created a seamless streaming experience that is both convenient and user-friendly, resulting in higher engagement for our bundle subscribers,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Disney will take things even further with the launch of ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer offering in early fall, allowing fans to access ESPN’s full suite of networks and ESPN+ directly within Disney+.
Big Plans for Disney Parks and Experiences
For Disney’s theme parks and resorts, Iger shared updates on major expansion projects worldwide.
“Right now, we have more projects underway around the world than at any time in our history,” he said.
Some of the biggest developments include:
- The largest expansion in Magic Kingdom’s history, with a new Cars-inspired area and the much-anticipated Villains-themed land.
- A Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios, featuring the company’s first-ever vertical lift coaster.
- A Tropical Americas land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, bringing attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones.
- The expansion of Avengers Campus at Disney California Adventure.
Beyond the parks, Disney Cruise Line is also set to grow, doubling its capacity to bring Disney magic to more guests worldwide.
In the digital space, Disney is investing $1.5 billion in Epic Games to create an expansive new entertainment universe in Fortnite, giving fans even more ways to experience beloved Disney characters and stories.
“These projects not only bring new magic to our guests but also have a positive economic impact, creating thousands of new jobs in Florida and California,” Iger said.
Making a Difference
Beyond entertainment, Iger reaffirmed Disney’s commitment to making a positive impact. He highlighted the company’s $15 million contribution to recovery efforts following devastating wildfires in Southern California and praised the efforts of Disney employees, including the Disney VoluntEARS team, in supporting relief efforts.
Disney also continues its deep-rooted support for veterans, children’s hospitals, and Make-A-Wish.
“We remain the No. 1 wish-granter in the world for children facing critical illness, and on average, Disney grants a child’s wish every hour of every day,” Iger shared. He also noted that Disney recently fulfilled its $100 million commitment to enhancing the hospital experience for children and their families.
The Future of Storytelling
Iger closed the meeting with an optimistic look at the future, emphasizing how technology continues to enhance Disney’s ability to tell unforgettable stories.
“Thanks to modern technology, there’s never been a better time to be a storyteller,” he said. “Today, we have the ability to greatly enhance the quality of our storytelling and to reach more people, in more places, in more ways than ever before.”
With a strong lineup of films, a growing streaming platform, and exciting expansions at theme parks and beyond, Disney is poised for an incredible future—one where creativity and technology continue to go hand in hand.
