It’s 2022 and Disney is in trouble. The combined forces of pandemic shutdowns, box-office bombs and political missteps have hammered Disney’s stock price. Marvel’s jilted former boss sees an opportunity. He allies with billionaire investor Nelson Peltz to plot a boardroom coup. Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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New York City, the summer of 2015.
Ike Perlmutter raises his eyes and looks across the dinner table at the man sitting opposite him, Disney CEO Bob Iger.
Iger's flown in from California to dine with him, and his presence here has set Perlmutter's spidey sense tingling.
Perlmutter is the 72 year old head of Marvel Entertainment.
Six years ago, Iger convinced him to sell Marvel to Disney.
Now Marvel superheroes rule Hollywood, but friction's growing between the two men.
Perlmutter's eyes meet with Iger's.
So what is it you want to discuss?
We need to talk about Kevin.
Kevin is Kevin Feige, the movie executive who turned Marvel into box office gold.
Hollywood loves him, but Perlmutter thinks he's a reckless spender with a liberal agenda.
And what about Kevin do you want to discuss?
You keep putting roadblocks in his way.
He's one of the most talented executives in filmmaking history, and you treat him like an adversary.
You won't give him the budgets he needs.
Needs or wants.
The movie budgets are totally excessive.