Disney CEO Bob Iger Confirms 2026 Exit — What It Means for Marvel, Star Wars & ABC

Disney CEO Bob Iger Confirms 2026 Exit — What's Next for the House of Mouse?

The biggest entertainment industry shake-up of 2026 just got a major update: Bob Iger, the legendary Disney CEO who's been at the helm of the company for over two decades, has confirmed he will "definitely" step down when his current contract ends in 2026. And in the same breath, he made it clear: ABC is not for sale.

Iger's Legacy: From Pixar to Marvel to Now

Iger's second stint as Disney CEO (he returned in 2022 after Bob Chapek's brief tenure) has been nothing short of transformative — and controversial. He oversaw the Marvel Cinematic Universe becoming the highest-grossing film franchise in history, the acquisition of Pixar, Lucasfilm, and 21st Century Fox, and the launch of Disney+ which now competes head-to-head with Netflix. But 2026 has brought new challenges: box office fatigue with superhero films, streaming profitability pressures, and a changing media landscape that's forced Disney to rethink its strategy.

With The Mandalorian and Grogu opening strong at theaters after seven years without a Star Wars theatrical release, and Toy Story 5 hitting theaters this summer, Iger's Disney is going out with some serious box office firepower.

ABC Stays: The Broadcast Network Is Here to Stay

Perhaps the most interesting part of Iger's announcement was his firm declaration that ABC is not for sale. Rumors had been swirling for months that Disney might offload the broadcast network as part of a broader restructuring. But Iger shut that down completely. ABC remains a core part of Disney's portfolio, and the company is doubling down on its broadcast presence even as streaming continues to reshape the industry.

Who replaces Iger? That's the billion-dollar question. Disney's next CEO will inherit a company at a crossroads — balancing theatrical ambitions (like the upcoming summer slate), streaming profitability, and a rapidly evolving entertainment ecosystem. Whoever takes the reins, one thing is clear: Disney in 2026 is still a powerhouse, but it's entering a new era.