Entertainment Chairman Wolden discusses Disney transition, Netflix streaming competition, local content development, and freedom of speech

2025-12-14 06:38:26

Disney characters always bring warmth and a sense of security to people. From Mickey Mouse to more cross-generational classic icons, these characters have accompanied countless families through growth and also form the emotional core of Disney’s centennial brand. However, with the rise of streaming media, the decline of traditional television, and the intertwining pressures of politics and technology, this entertainment giant is at a critical juncture of transformation.

Bloomberg recently interviewed Dana Walden, Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment. She is widely regarded as one of Hollywood’s most astute executives and is even considered a potential successor to Disney’s CEO. The program also featured interviews with several stars who have worked with Disney, including Kim Kardashian, Kris Jenner, actor Ellen Pompeo from Grey’s Anatomy, and the main character Sanada Hiroyuki from Shogun, providing an in-depth look into the ambitions of this entertainment giant in the fields of global streaming and traditional television, attempting to outline Disney’s deployment strategy in the global entertainment landscape. This article is a compilation of key points from Bloomberg’s interview program video.

Dana Walden’s Transition from Fox to Disney’s Hollywood Chairman

Disney Co-Chairman Dana Walden grew up in Los Angeles. Her mother was a musical theater actress, immersing her in performance and television culture from a young age. In 1992, she joined 20th Century Fox, starting in the public relations department, gradually moving into core content and production, working with creative teams of classic series like The X-Files and The Simpsons, accumulating deep experience in media production. During her 26 years at Fox, she successfully led the television division with works such as Glee and Empire, reaching the peak of her career and being regarded as one of Hollywood’s most savvy executives. After Disney acquired Fox in 2019, Walden officially joined Disney as Co-Chairman of Entertainment, overseeing global television and streaming content.

Disney’s Strategy Against Netflix

Netflix led the streaming revolution first, and Disney only launched Disney+ in 2019. Some questioned their late entry, but Walden does not see it that way. She points out that Disney owns the world’s strongest IP (Intellectual Property) rights, and Disney+ attracted millions of subscribers within 24 hours of launch, proving the continued strength of the brand’s IP. Unlike Netflix’s content strategy, Walden emphasizes Disney’s choice of a “curated” approach, not competing on volume but focusing on quality, classic IP, and extending traditional TV programs with cross-platform integration. She describes Disney’s goal as building emotional connections and an eternal brand universe. Disney owns platforms like Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, Fox, Hulu, ABC, Disney+, A+E, and FX. With classic TV brands and animation and comic IP backing, Disney has better original content than Netflix and is confident in its ambition to rival Netflix as the world’s top entertainment brand.

Disney’s Flywheel Effect: Content, Experience, and Platform Integration

Entertainment is just one part of Disney’s empire. After success in movies and series, the company extended its reach into theme parks, cruises, merchandise, and experiences, forming what is called the “Disney Flywheel.” Walden currently manages ABC, FX, Hulu, and Disney+, viewing them as an integrated entertainment ecosystem rather than competing platforms. The “Dancing with the Stars” program, aired simultaneously on ABC and streaming, successfully attracted young viewers back, significantly boosting ratings. She believes live broadcasting and immediacy remain advantages of linear TV, while streaming offers flexible, anytime-anywhere viewing.

Celebrity and Content Strategies: Kardashian Family Cross-Over

Bringing the Kardashian family into Hulu was a significant achievement early in Walden’s tenure. Kris Jenner described Walden as tough and straightforward in negotiations, while Kim Kardashian experimented with scripted roles in Hulu’s legal drama All’s Fair (一切公平), collaborating with producer Ryan Murphy. Although the show received mixed reviews, global promotion and premiere success demonstrated that star power still has strong appeal.

Long-Running Series “Grey’s Anatomy” and FX’s “Shogun” Attract Global Audiences

While traditional TV overall declines, ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” continues to be popular into its 22nd season, remaining one of the few long-running series that cross generations. Actor Ellen Pompeo notes that in an era of content explosion, viewers’ fixed viewing habits and the ability to quickly get into the story are key to the show’s ongoing success.

FX’s “Shogun” also demonstrates Disney’s ambition for globalized content. The series features extensive Japanese dialogue, starring and producing by Hiroyuki Sanada, faithfully depicting Japanese culture and becoming one of FX’s most successful original foreign-language series.

Further Globalization: Local Original Content

Disney+ currently covers over 150 countries, investing in local original content in key markets. Walden states that not every country produces original content but that the company continues to deepen its presence in markets with the greatest potential.

Freedom of Speech and Leadership Tests

Artificial intelligence is becoming the next disruptive force. Walden emphasizes that AI can help reduce costs and improve efficiency, but Disney’s core remains storytelling by humans. The company is working with writers, actors, and directors to set boundaries for AI use. Regarding political pressures, the temporary suspension of Jimmy Kimmel’s show sparked free speech debates. Walden states that the decision to pause the show was merely to cool public opinion and protect staff. She also denies any pressure from the White House or Trump, emphasizing that the company insists on creative freedom.

The outside world is paying attention to Walden as a potential next CEO of Disney. She responds modestly, emphasizing that teamwork and long-term company development are more important than personal positions. Facing streaming competition, technological change, and cultural divisions, she remains optimistic about the future. Walden believes that no matter how technology evolves, the best stories and feelings that resonate with people will always have value.