Bob Iger wanted Disney, Apple, Twitter, and 007

Bob Iger’s tenure as Disney CEO ended a few months ago, after two decades of leading the entertainment giant through some of its most significant turnarounds and acquisitions. Iger, in an exit interview with Financial Timeshas now confirmed some important efforts that He didn’t do that Like walking away from buying Twitter, ignoring Apple, and losing the James Bond franchise.

According to Iger, Disney is close to buying Twitter from co-founder Jack Dorsey at a “very attractive price,” sometime before Elon Musk bought the social media platform in 2022 and Change his name to X. Iger had plans to turn Twitter into a global distribution platform for Disney, but pulled out on the morning of the deal over concerns it would be a “terrible distraction.”

Disney was also involved at one point in early talks regarding a potential merger with Apple, something Iger believes would have been “truly transformative.” Ultimately, Iger says these talks “didn’t go anywhere,” and that “Apple didn’t show that much interest.” The two companies have a mixed history, and Iger did as well Member of the Board of Directors of Apple From 2011 to 2019, particularly the driving force behind Disney’s acquisition of Pixar in 2006, which was led by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs at the time. According to Iger, his first call with Jobs led to an almost immediate agreement to put Disney content on the first video iPod.

“All of a sudden, I was now someone that Steve loved and respected,” Iger said. Financial Times. “The old Disney company he knew was lumbering with bureaucracy. So he thought this was a new day.”

The Pixar acquisition prompted Iger to look for more companies to bring under Disney’s wing, although not all attempts were successful. “We felt we were unstoppable. We compiled a list of acquisition targets,” Iger said. “Marvel was one, Star Wars was another, and James Bond was one. We had a list and thought we’d tick it off and buy them all.” Iger didn’t provide any details about Disney’s attempt to buy the James Bond franchise, but we know it clearly failed — Amazon bought the 007 distribution rights when it acquired MGM in 2022, and later paid more than $1 billion for it. Complete creative control Concession in February 2025.

Iger stepped down The second term As Disney CEO on March 18, along with the former Disney Experiences chief Josh D’Amaro He now leads the company. While Iger remains a member of Disney’s board of directors, he is also expected to leave that role in December.