Disney CEO Bob Iger has pointed to a lack of executive supervision on-set during the pandemic as one reason for 'The Marvels' underperformance at the box office. In a recent summit, Iger emphasized quality over quantity and acknowledged that the increase in Disney's output, especially with the launch of Disney+, was a mistake. Despite being the lowest MCU opening to date, Iger continues to advocate for sequels, stressing the importance of a strong narrative.

'The Marvels', which debuted with a $47 million opening, has faced numerous challenges apart from production during COVID-19, including an actors' strike affecting the press tour and an oversaturated market for superhero content. Iger, who returned as CEO after replacing Bob Chapek, plans to step down in 2026 after addressing the company's current issues and focusing on creative improvements. He insists that despite the need to slow down, sequels can be successful if they tell a compelling story.

Disney's strategy moving forward under Iger's leadership will likely involve a more measured approach to content creation, with a renewed focus on delivering quality experiences to audiences. 'The Marvels' box office performance has been a wake-up call for the studio to reevaluate its direction and output.