Bob Chapek, who became Disney CEO in February 2020 as Bob Iger's chosen successor, was dismissed after less than three years in November 2022 when Iger reclaimed the role. In his forthcoming memoir "Behind the Castle Walls," Chapek alleges that Iger orchestrated his ouster because he could not relinquish power, rather than due to any significant failings on Chapek's part. This account directly contradicts the official narrative and reveals tensions between the two executives at one of the world's largest entertainment conglomerates.

Chapek's 272-page book, to be released on 29 September, mentions Iger 121 times and describes what Chapek characterises as a "relentless three-year campaign" to force him from office. The former CEO cited an April 2020 New York Times article in which Iger suggested he would need to actively intervene to help Chapek manage the COVID-19 crisis as key evidence of Iger's intentions. Disney and Iger's representatives have declined to comment, and the two executives have not communicated since Chapek's departure, save for a brief handshake at a business conference in July 2022.