Former Disney CEO Says Company Explored Twitter, Apple, and James Bond Acquisitions

Bob Iger said Disney came close to buying Twitter from cofounder Jack Dorsey at a favorable price before Elon Musk acquired the platform in 2022. Iger stated the company planned to use Twitter as a global distribution channel for Disney content but abandoned the deal over concerns it would become a distraction.

Iger said Disney held early talks about a potential merger with Apple that he believed would have been transformative. The conversations ended without progress, and Iger said Apple showed limited interest. Iger served on Apple's board from 2011 to 2019 and worked with Apple cofounder Steve Jobs on placing Disney content on the first video iPod.

Iger said Disney compiled a list of acquisition targets that included Marvel, Star Wars, and the James Bond franchise. Amazon acquired MGM in 2022 and later paid more than $1 billion for full creative control of the 007 rights in February 2025. Iger stepped down as Disney CEO on March 18. He remains on the company's board but is expected to leave that position in December.