Robert Iger steps down as CEO of Disney

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Robert Iger, who expanded Walt Disney Co. by acquiring Marvel, Star Wars and 20th Century Fox, has stepped down as CEO, effective immediately, the company said in a statement.

Iger’s successor as CEO is Bob Chapnek, Disney announced. He has been head of the company’s theme parks unit.

Iger will remain as chairman until the end of 2021, according to the announcement.

Under Iger, Disney became a major force among entertainment companies. The company’s acquisition of Marvel has been a major driver of profit. Disney’s purchase of the Star Wars franchise has been bumpy, with more ups and downs.

Iger’s biggest bet was buying the bulk of 21st Century Fox (including the 20th Century Fox studio) for more than $71 billion. Properties such as Fox News, Fox Sports and Fox Business remain with Rupert Murdoch. Under Disney ownership, the film studio is now known as the 20th Century brand for Disney.

In December, Iger said he was a big James Bond fan while saying the company wasn’t looking to do another big acquisition. Whether or not that happens, it won’t take place under Iger’s watch.

Cary Fukunaga discusses No Time to Die

A new No Time to Die promotional video is out today with director Cary Fukunaga talking about the 25th James Bond film.

The format is different than the video blog promos of Skyfall and SPECTRE. Fukunaga’s dialogue is in voiceover form, accompanied by shots from the film as well as behind-the-scenes shots.

The writer-director says he had to “rediscover Bond” and to determine “after five years of retirement, who has he become?”

Based on the video, some themes of Skyfall may come up again.

“The rules of engagement aren’t what they used to be, the rules of espionage darker in this era of asymmetric warfare,” Fukunaga says.

At the same time, the director hypes No Time to Die’s villain, Rami Malek’s Safin, as “smarter and stronger than SPECTRE.”

You can take a look for yourself below (or not if you’re super spoiler adverse). The video runs lasts for 100 seconds.