Disney just made one of its most significant corporate moves in years, and fans are already reading between the lines.
After months of speculation, Disney has officially found its next CEO. Usually, that kind of news would lead to conversations about stock prices, streaming plans, or park expansions. But this time, the bigger story is what Disney seems prepared to do next.
Because the company isn’t hitting pause.
Instead, Disney appears ready to push forward with 18 upcoming films that are already sparking backlash. These projects include sequels to franchises people thought were done, and live-action remakes that many fans feel Disney shouldn’t even be touching.
And what’s clear is this: Disney isn’t backing away from controversy. It’s walking straight into it.
Josh D’Amaro Steps Into the Spotlight
Bob Iger has been Disney’s defining figure for years. He guided the company through massive expansions and major acquisitions, shaping Disney into the entertainment powerhouse it is today. But at the same time, he also became closely associated with Disney’s growing reliance on sequels, remakes, and reboot culture.
Now, Disney is preparing to shift leadership.
Bob Iger is scheduled to step down, and Josh D’Amaro is set to take over as CEO on March 18, 2026. That announcement immediately made waves because D’Amaro isn’t an unknown executive. Disney fans have watched him rise through the Parks division, where he has appeared frequently at major announcements and high-profile events.
It feels like Disney is betting on a leader who can project confidence at a time when the company is facing constant criticism online.
The Movie Slate Is Already Locked In
Even though a new CEO is about to take over, Disney’s film strategy doesn’t seem to be changing. If anything, it looks more aggressive than ever.
During Iger’s time, Disney announced a long list of projects that instantly split audiences. Fans have spent years arguing that Disney relies too heavily on familiar franchises rather than investing in original storytelling.
But the strategy has still delivered financially. Sequels and remakes continue to generate significant revenue, even when audiences complain online.
And now, as far as the public can tell, many of these controversial films are still moving forward under Dana Walden’s leadership. That means Josh D’Amaro is inheriting a slate of projects that will keep Disney in the middle of nonstop debate for the rest of the decade.
Pixar Sequels Are Triggering Franchise Fatigue
Pixar was known for creating new stories that felt fresh and emotional. That’s why its upcoming sequels have become such a hot-button topic.
Toy Story 5 (2026) is one of the most divisive examples. Many fans still believe Toy Story 3 (2010) was the perfect ending, while others feel Toy Story 4 (2019) already pushed the story too far. The fifth film risks feeling like Disney is dragging out the franchise purely for profit.
Incredibles 3 (possibly 2028) is another one that splits opinions. The Incredibles (2004) is widely beloved, but Incredibles 2 (2018) didn’t satisfy everyone. A third installment could either revive the franchise or confirm Pixar is stuck repeating itself.
Then there’s Coco 2 (TBD). The original Coco (2017) is viewed as a modern classic, which is exactly why many fans feel a sequel is unnecessary.
Sequels and Remakes Keep Piling Up
Disney Animation is also doubling down on its biggest franchises. Frozen 3 (2027) is confirmed, and Disney will almost certainly dominate the box office with it. Still, plenty of fans argue the story doesn’t need another chapter.
Disney is also discussing Zootopia 3 (TBD). While the studio hasn’t confirmed it, the franchise has always sparked debate online, and another installment would likely reignite those same arguments.
Meanwhile, Disney is leaning into nostalgia with Phineas and Ferb 3 (TBD, possibly 2028), another project that excites longtime fans but adds to the feeling that Disney keeps recycling old properties.
Then come the live-action remakes. Tangled live-action (2027/2028), Hercules live-action (possibly 2027 or 2028), and Moana live-action (2026) are all fueling the same criticism: Disney keeps remaking films instead of creating new ones.
Disney’s Next Era Will Be Defined by Controversy
Beyond that, Disney has villain sequels like Cruella 2 (TBD) and Maleficent 3 (possibly 2027). It also includes long-awaited projects like Princess Diaries 3 (TBD) and Sister Act 3 (TBD), as well as uncertain follow-ups like Aladdin 2 live-action (TBD) and the Three Men and a Baby remake.
Even Ice Age: Boiling Point (2027) shows Disney expanding everything it owns, while Avatar 4 (2029) and Avatar 5 (2031) remain massive future bets.
So as Josh D’Amaro prepares to step into the CEO role, Disney’s direction looks clear.
The company isn’t trying to avoid controversy.
It’s building an entire era around it.
