“Why do I need an all-Black cast?”: Kevin Feige’s ‘Woke’ Marvel Strategy Gets Questioned by 81-Year-Old Investor Eyeing for Disney Board Seat in Bizarre Statement
Nelson Peltz has big plans for his money and what it can achieve. He is on his way to revolutionizing entertainment with his eyes set on Disney and Marvel. A veteran investor, he is trying to streamline the industry with his insights on brand campaigns. Money is a real shackle to any creative field. From art and filmmaking to poetry and the written word, every art form is undoubtedly curbed due to a lack thereof or control over the excess by investors. The entertainment industry is no different.
Nelson Peltz’s Plans for Disney and Marvel
The investor believes in helping companies rather than selling them for parts. Nelson Peltz has previously changed the faces of brands like Heinz and Procter & Gamble. With skills like analysis and argument on his side, Peltz is confident in his approach towards propelling big brands even higher. However, recent research has proved what we feared most. Investors, in reality, are not adding as much value as they offer.
For the man who believes being a bully comes with the territory of being a billionaire, it’s hard to see how much value he will actually end up adding. In a conversation with Financial Times, he claimed Disney is getting “too woke.” He further adds that people watch movies for entertainment purposes and not to get a social message. Peltz added,
“People go to watch a movie or a show to be entertained. They don’t go to get a message. I wasn’t that crazy about it. Why do I have to have a Marvel that’s all women? Not that I have anything against women, but why do I have to do that? Why can’t I have Marvels that are both? Why do I need an all-Black cast?”
Peltz is eyeing a seat on the board at Disney, for which a vote will be taken at the upcoming investor meeting. This could mean a significant change in the way Disney operates and presents projects. Even with Marvel, all the progress made by the studio in terms of providing adequate representation and ensuring their fans are satisfied will be lost. Black Panther was one of the best-performing movies by Marvel, focusing on the rich culture and heritage of the tribe. Peltz’s statement has been blasted on X as fans pointed out that Black Panther does not have an all-Black cast.
Because more than just white males watch Marvel! It’s not rocket science and can we stop using the word “woke” cuz most people don’t know what it means or where it originated.
— Terence Daniels (@terencedaniels) March 25, 2024
Ummm you do these things because the majority of the audience worldwide is NOT WHITE MEN. You build a bond with fans who will want to return for more when you represent them in your films. The problem isn't the inclusion or diversity in the movies. It's that they've become stale.
— Papa Brain (@AngrySince87) March 25, 2024
I wanna know what marvel movie is all women or all black … must’ve been one I haven’t seen yet
— Berserker (@GeoohhM) March 25, 2024
Recent Marvel movies failing at the box office might not be a good sign as the investors might actually agree with Peltz who has years of experience under his belt. Despite his factually inaccurate statements, he is known to make his voice heard.
Nelson Peltz’s Recipe for Success
Peltz has very intricate strategies that he believes work best. The first and foremost aspect is to eliminate politics from the brand and the boardroom alike. The sole purpose of the brand should be to better its product and increase sales. While this works for product-led brands, the other big names that offer more than tangible products need a better strategy.
Coming back to Disney, he claims he wants to help Bob Iger, and not remove him altogether. Even with Marvel president Kevin Feige, Peltz seems to be “questioning his record,” and putting every aspect under a microscope. We will have to wait and see if Peltz can secure a board seat and eventually turn things around for both Disney and Marvel.
