Same Old Disney: Woke Exec Elevated to Top Position as ‘Head Storyteller’

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Disney has promoted Dana Walden to a new position – President and Chief Creative Officer – in what some see as a move that reflects the company’s ongoing focus on certain values and beliefs.

Walden will now be in charge of all storytelling for the entire company, according to a recent announcement.

This change in leadership is happening as part of a larger reorganization, with Josh D’Amaro taking over as CEO from Bob Iger. Walden’s promotion has sparked new debate regarding her previous comments on diversity and the standards for content at Disney.

Walden Previously Admitted to Passing on Shows With White Families

In 2021, Dana Walden shared during a panel discussion that ABC, while she was in charge, turned down several good scripts because they didn’t have enough diversity and inclusion.

Specifically, she recalled turning down a show centered around a white family:

I was really surprised to learn that we actually turned down some amazing scripts! They were beautifully written, but just didn’t meet our goals for representing a diverse range of people and stories. It was a tough decision, but we felt it was the right one.

Walden recalled her reaction to a script that centered around a white family:

We’ve decided to stop airing that program. It simply doesn’t resonate with our viewers, and doesn’t represent what they’re looking for. I’m confident we’re heading in the right direction with our current programming choices.

Walden’s support for a strong DEI approach that focuses heavily on group identity rather than individual achievement or compelling narratives is widely considered to be an example of ‘wokeness’.

DEI Policies Were Enforced Under Her Tenure at ABC

At the time, ABC also implemented strict inclusion policies under Walden’s watch.

A company memo highlighted a plan to change both the content we create and the workplace itself, focusing on diversity efforts related to race and identity.

These updated guidelines aim to ensure our content and workspaces are welcoming to everyone, and will help us create lasting, positive change. We’re taking this opportunity to examine our processes and practices to identify and eliminate obstacles that prevent people from participating and succeeding. It’s crucial that we recognize who is missing and actively work to include them, while also providing the support they need to thrive.

Disney’s Supposed Shift Away From DEI—But Walden’s Still in Charge

Disney appears to be shifting away from openly promoting its diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Instead of using terms like ‘diversity’ and ‘equity,’ they are now focusing on ‘belonging’ and ‘talent strategy.’

The company is making this change to try and improve its financial situation and focus on creating good content, as recent decisions have negatively impacted its performance and led to public criticism.

Giving Walden, a strong supporter of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, a key leadership position at Disney—where she’ll guide all creative content—suggests the company isn’t likely to change its core values as much as some people expected.

A New Title, Same Agenda?

Walden’s promotion gives her control over the creative direction of everything Disney produces. The company says she’ll make sure all content stays true to the Disney brand, attracts large audiences, and helps the company achieve its goals. She’ll also be responsible for leading new projects and turning ideas into reality.

Essentially, Dana Walden is now in charge of creative direction at Disney. Many see this as proof that, despite promises of change, the company continues to prioritize entertainment choices that have turned off a significant number of viewers.

Recent developments at Disney suggest some things remain the same. For example, the company is focusing on continuing the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, whether or not Johnny Depp returns for future installments.

Rumors suggest the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean reboot will introduce Jack Sparrow’s son, potentially played by an actor chosen to promote diversity. There’s also speculation that Margot Robbie will be involved in the film.

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2026-02-06 02:32