Bob Chapek to release Disney memoir ‘Behind the Castle Walls’

Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek is set to release a memoir titled ‘Behind the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth’ on September 29. The book marks his first major attempt to address the circumstances surrounding his removal from the company in November 2022.

Chapek, who joined Disney in 1993, rose through various leadership roles before being named CEO in 2020. His tenure was immediately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the shutdown of Disney’s parks, resorts, cruise lines, and media production. The memoir aims to provide insight into his decision-making during these unprecedented times and address questions regarding whether he was given a fair opportunity to lead or was ‘set up to fail.’

The book will also cover the transition that saw Bob Iger return to the CEO role and Chapek’s reflections on his professional legacy following his departure.