Recently, Disney investor Nelson Peltz sounded off on the company for injecting a woke political agenda into the characters within the Marvel franchise. The businessman claimed audiences don’t watch these films “to get a message.”
The investor voiced his doubts about whether Disney CEO Bob Iger and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige understood the drivers behind what compels consumers to see a movie. Calling out recent films such as “The Marvels” and the “Black Panther” series, he maintained that audiences want to be entertained instead of lectured with a politicized message.
“People go to watch a movie or a show to be entertained,” Peltz said. “They don’t go to get a message.” He continued, “Why do I have to have a Marvel that’s all women?” he added. “Not that I have anything against women, but why do I have to do that?”
Peltz further explained his stance, arguing that while there can be some diversity in the movies, he questions why it must be so forced. “Why can’t I have Marvels that are both?” he added. “Why do I need an all-black cast [like in ‘Black Panther’]?”
According to reports, Peltz has been engaged in a proxy fight with Disney over board changes. The results of a recent shareholder vote on the company’s board members is expected to be announced at an upcoming annual stockholder’s meeting.
“What remains missing is tangible progress towards succession to give investors sufficient confidence that the company will not run aground after Iger departs, and in doing so, avoid future mutinies,” according to a pro-Petlz recommendation from ISS.
Aside from controversy with Disney, Nelson Peltz has made headlines recently for announcing his support for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. The American Tribune reported on Peltz’s comments about the decision, where he cited concerns about President Biden’s “really scary” mental state.
“I don’t know what he knows and I don’t know what he doesn’t know. I don’t know who’s speaking for him and that’s troubling,” he said, voicing his skepticism that Biden is in a cognitive state that would allow him to fulfill the duties as the president of the United States.
Peltz also touched on the migrant crisis stemming from the southern border. “We can’t go on letting everyone into this country . . . We have an immigration problem — it’s not a Republican or Democrat problem,” said Peltz. However, he stated that the U.S. should not entirely stop all legal immigration, “but I want some boundaries put on it so we know at least who we’re bringing in,” he said.
However, the activist investor noted that his decision to ditch the Democrats, likely in favor of Trump, was a reluctant one. “It will probably be Trump and I’m not happy about that,” he explained. While the businessman may be casting his vote for Trump on the ballot, he has not decided whether he will financially support the GOP frontrunner. Peltz also stated that he hasn’t spoken to Trump in “quite a while” even though the two are neighbors in Palm Beach, Florida.
Watch a clip of Peltz discussing his mission to “restore the magic” at Disney.
Act now: as a Disney shareholder, your vote matters. Trian’s Nominees Nelson Peltz and Jay Rasulo have the skills, experience and passion to help strengthen Disney’s future. Need voting help? Visit our FAQ:
— Restore The Magic (@RestoringMagic) March 27, 2024
Note: The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.
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