Bob Iger officially ended his 52-year journey with Disney on March 18, 2026, closing one of the most consequential chapters in modern entertainment history. During the company's annual shareholder meeting, the longtime chief executive delivered an emotional farewell before formally handing leadership to Josh D'Amaro. Few executives have reshaped a legacy corporation as dramatically as Iger. 

Yet even the most successful dealmaker leaves behind an unfinished file. The world's most famous spy became the rare target that escaped Iger's acquisition machine, a reminder that even in an era of consolidation, some prizes remain beyond reach.

In its recent feature, Bob Iger's Long Goodbye, the Financial Times explored the former Disney chief's remarkable acquisition record and revealed the franchise that slipped through his fingers. Reflecting on Disney's aggressive expansion strategy, Iger recalled:

"We put together a list of acquisition targets. Marvel was one, Star Wars was another, James Bond was one. We had a list and I figured let's just tick them off and buy them all."

Only James Bond, which later got acquired by Amazon, got away from Bob Iger.  

The ambition was understandable. Following Disney's transformational acquisition of Pixar, confidence inside the company was soaring. Iger had initially sought board approval to pursue Pixar despite skepticism. He described receiving what he interpreted as a "yellow light" rather than a rejection. The eventual agreement revitalized Disney's animation business. As Iger later reflected, "It was like the clouds lifted and the sun started to shine again." 

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If James Bond represents the deal that slipped away, it also highlights how unusual failure was during Iger's reign. For nearly two decades, Hollywood watched Disney turn seemingly ambitious bets into industry-defining victories. The same executive who could not bring 007 into the Magic Kingdom had already rewritten the rules of media consolidation, assembling a portfolio of powerful franchises.

That feeling of momentum defined much of Bob Iger's tenure. Pixar was followed by Marvel in 2009 and Lucasfilm in 2012, deals that many observers initially questioned. Disney's $71 billion acquisition of 21st Century Fox in 2019 drew criticism for its cost and debt burden. Iger has consistently defended the transaction, arguing that asset disposals reduced the effective price and, more importantly, positioned Disney for the streaming era. The Fox library and leadership additions helped Disney become Netflix's strongest global challenger through Disney+. 

There were also near misses. Iger revealed he came close to acquiring Twitter from Jack Dorsey before abandoning the idea over concerns it would become a distraction. Discussions about a potential Disney-Apple merger also occurred but never advanced after limited interest from Apple. Now the company enters a new chapter under Josh D'Amaro.

Whatever lies ahead, Iger leaves behind a company fundamentally transformed by his vision. James Bond may have escaped his grasp, but few executives have altered the entertainment landscape so profoundly.

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What do you think was Bob Iger's most important acquisition at Disney? Share your thoughts in the comments.