Former Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek is preparing to share his side of the story regarding his turbulent tenure at the entertainment giant. He is set to release a memoir titled Behind the Castle Walls: My 30 Years At The Happiest Place On Earth on September 29.
Published by Simon & Schuster’s Gallery Books, the project covers the span of his thirty-year career, including his promotion to CEO just weeks before the pandemic forced the closure of theme parks, cruise lines, and production studios. The publisher notes that the book will look into the internal pressure and the decisions that led to his departure in 2022.
The memoir will specifically address the return of Bob Iger to the top role, a move that surprised many observers at the time. Chapek has kept a low profile since leaving the company, focusing on board positions outside the entertainment industry. The publisher says the book will serve as an attempt to define his own legacy and offer clarity on the events that occurred during his time in the seat.
While Chapek’s leadership at Disney was often defined by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the book promises to look at the maneuverings that happened behind the scenes. It poses questions about whether he was given a fair shot at the position or if the circumstances made success impossible. Chapek states that he remains a fan of the company and hopes to see its magic continue for future generations.
This release adds a new chapter to the ongoing conversation about corporate leadership at the top of the media industry. As readers wait for the publication date, industry analysts are waiting to see how the book frames the relationship between Chapek and his successor and predecessor, Bob Iger.