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Jimmy Kimmel Surprises Fans by Endorsing Dana Walden as Next Disney CEO — “She’s Done a Great Job”

During a candid interview at Bloomberg’s Screentime event in Los Angeles, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel publicly praised Dana Walden, sparking new speculation about who will lead The Walt Disney Company after the tenure of CEO Bob Iger.

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Jimmy Kimmel Endorses Dana Walden as Next Disney CEO, Calls Her “A Great Leader” | Daily Global Diary
Jimmy Kimmel praises Dana Walden during Bloomberg’s Screentime event in Los Angeles, calling her “a great leader” and fueling speculation about Disney’s next CEO.

Comedian and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel stirred conversation across Hollywood this week after publicly endorsing Dana Walden as the potential next CEO of The Walt Disney Company, calling her “a great leader who’s done an incredible job.”

Speaking with journalist Lucas Shaw at Bloomberg’s Screentime conference in Los Angeles, Kimmel appeared relaxed yet reflective — marking his first major interview since returning to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! following a brief suspension that ignited national debate over free speech in entertainment.

When asked about the “million-dollar question” — who should take over Disney — Kimmel paused, smiled, and said:

“I happen to love Dana Walden very much, and I think she’s done a great job.”

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The remark, though lighthearted, immediately drew attention across media circles. Walden, who currently serves as Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment, has long been seen as one of the most likely successors to current CEO Bob Iger, whose contract is set to expire in 2026.

Kimmel’s Comments Came After a Tumultuous Few Weeks

Kimmel’s endorsement wasn’t just about corporate admiration — it carried undertones of solidarity with Disney’s leadership following what he described as an “unfair situation” related to his recent suspension.

“I think what has happened over the last three weeks was very unfair to my bosses at Disney,” Kimmel told Shaw. “I don’t think anyone should ever be put in a position like this. It is insane, and I hope we drew a really bold red line as Americans about what we will and will not accept.”

The Jimmy Kimmel Live! host was suspended temporarily in mid-September after controversial on-air remarks involving right-wing activist Charlie Kirk. The comments, made during the Sept. 15 episode, criticized the political reaction to Kirk’s assassin. Kimmel later defended his statements as satire, calling the backlash “a distortion of context.”

Dana Walden: The Executive in Focus

Dana Walden, one of the most respected executives in modern television, has spent nearly three decades shaping American entertainment. Before joining Disney, she held leadership roles at 20th Century Fox Television, where she helped develop cultural landmarks like Modern Family and Empire.

Since taking over as co-chair of Disney Entertainment, Walden has overseen major strategic pivots for ABC, Hulu, and Disney+, and has earned industry praise for balancing creative innovation with financial pragmatism.

Under her leadership, Disney has navigated industry disruptions with a steady hand — a fact Kimmel appeared to acknowledge in his comments.

“She’s done a great job,” Kimmel repeated, hinting that his support wasn’t just personal, but rooted in experience. “She’s smart, fair, and has been nothing but supportive of talent.”

Hollywood Reacts to Kimmel’s Endorsement

Within hours of the Screentime interview, entertainment insiders flooded X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn with reactions. Some viewed Kimmel’s praise as genuine admiration, while others speculated it was a strategic nudge amid the ongoing corporate guessing game about who will inherit the world’s most iconic media empire.

Jimmy Kimmel, Dana Walden, Bob Iger, The Walt Disney Company, ABC, Bloomberg Screentime, Lucas Shaw, Free Speech, Entertainment Industry, Daily Global Diary


Industry analyst Matthew Belloni of Puck News wrote, “When Kimmel — a Disney insider with a massive platform — publicly praises a potential successor, it means something. Dana Walden is already the quiet frontrunner, but now she’s got the endorsement of one of the company’s biggest public faces.”

Others, however, warned against reading too much into the exchange. “Jimmy’s a comic — he jokes about everything,” said one ABC producer. “But everyone at Disney knows Dana’s leadership record speaks for itself.”

A Conversation That Blended Humor and Honesty

Despite the corporate undertones, Kimmel’s tone at the event was anything but stiff. The ABC star joked about his “habit of saying things that get him in trouble,” adding, “You’d think after 21 seasons I’d learn to shut up. But then I’d have no show.”

The interview, hosted by Bloomberg’s Screentime event, drew several top figures from the entertainment and tech worlds. Kimmel’s appearance, just two weeks after returning to air, was viewed as both a media rehabilitation moment and a reaffirmation of his place in the cultural conversation.

He also used the platform to reiterate his belief in free speech — a topic he said he’s “more passionate about now than ever.”

“We live in a world where comedians are often the first to get punished for telling the truth,” Kimmel said. “But that’s part of the job. You can’t host a show about real life and be scared of reality.”

What Comes Next for Disney

With Bob Iger expected to step down after guiding The Walt Disney Company through a turbulent post-pandemic era, speculation around his successor continues to intensify. Alongside Dana Walden, names like Josh D’Amaro (Chairman of Disney Experiences) and Alan Bergman (Co-Chairman of Disney Entertainment) are frequently mentioned.

However, after Kimmel’s glowing remarks, many in the industry believe Walden’s star just got a little brighter.

Whether or not Kimmel’s words carry weight inside Disney’s Burbank headquarters remains to be seen — but one thing’s certain: he’s once again found himself at the center of Hollywood’s biggest conversation.

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“He-Man Wears a Suit…”: Why Nicholas Galitzine’s Masters of the Universe Trailer Has Fans Talking

The iconic hero swaps Eternia for office cubicles as the first trailer teases a bold, corporate-era reinvention

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Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man Enters Corporate America in Masters of the Universe Trailer

The power of Grayskull has officially entered the corporate grind.

The first trailer for Masters of the Universe has landed — and it delivers a twist that few lifelong fans of the franchise expected. Instead of roaring into battle with sword raised, Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man is introduced navigating the fluorescent lights and soul-crushing routines of corporate America.

Yes, that He-Man.

The footage suggests a radical reimagining: Prince Adam, stripped of memory and purpose, appears trapped in a modern-day office job — far removed from the fantasy world of Eternia that once defined him.

“This isn’t the He-Man you grew up with,” the trailer seems to whisper. “This is the one who forgot who he was.”


A Fish-Out-of-Water Origin Story for a New Generation

Rather than relying on pure nostalgia, the new Masters of the Universe appears to lean into contrast — mythic strength versus modern monotony.

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Sources close to the production say the film explores identity, purpose, and power in a world that doesn’t believe in heroes anymore. It’s a familiar Hollywood theme, but placing He-Man inside a cubicle rather than a battlefield gives it a sharp, self-aware edge.

Galitzine, best known for his dramatic and romantic roles, brings a restrained intensity to the character — suggesting a version of He-Man who must rediscover strength rather than simply wield it.


A Franchise Reborn for the Live-Action Era

The Masters of the Universe franchise, originally created by Mattel, has lived many lives — from animated classics to reboots and streaming revivals. But this live-action adaptation signals a clear desire to modernize the mythology for audiences raised on superhero origin stories with emotional weight.

Nicholas Galitzine’s He-Man Enters Corporate America in Masters of the Universe Trailer


Hollywood insiders note that grounding legendary characters in familiar, everyday environments has become a reliable way to expand franchises without alienating new viewers.

“It’s less about muscles now,” one executive joked, “and more about meaning.”


Why This Trailer Has Fans Divided — and Talking

Predictably, the internet reacted fast — and loudly.

Longtime fans expressed shock at seeing He-Man in business attire, while others praised the creative risk, calling it “unexpected,” “bold,” and “surprisingly smart.”

Whether embraced or rejected, one thing is certain:
The trailer has succeeded in doing what studios crave most — starting a conversation.


What Comes Next for He-Man

The footage hints that Eternia hasn’t been erased — only forgotten. As Prince Adam’s past begins to resurface, the transformation into He-Man looks set to be earned rather than automatic.

For a franchise built on raw power, this version seems more interested in asking why power matters at all.

And that, perhaps, is the most modern update of all.

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Camilla Läckberg Isn’t Done Yet… The Queen of Swedish Noir Eyes Film, TV and a Bold Plan to ‘Conquer America’

From bestselling crime novels to international TV screens, Camilla Läckberg opens up about adapting her stories, experimenting with reality television, and why breaking into the U.S. market feels like her most thrilling mystery yet.

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Camilla Läckberg on TV, Film and Her Dream to Conquer America
Camilla Läckberg, the bestselling Swedish crime author, continues her global expansion with new film, TV, and streaming projects.

For decades, Camilla Läckberg has been a defining voice of Scandinavian crime fiction — a genre often labeled Nordic Noir but powered by something far more intimate than icy landscapes and clever murders. Her stories, rooted in psychology, family tensions, and the quiet menace of small-town life, have sold millions of copies worldwide. Now, the author widely known as the Queen of Swedish Noir is charting a new chapter: film, television, and an ambitious push into the American market.

Läckberg’s latest moment in the global spotlight comes as Camilla Läckberg’s Erica lands on MHz Choice, shortly after audiences discovered The Glass Dome on Netflix. For fans of her work, this feels less like a debut and more like a long-overdue expansion. For Läckberg herself, it is the result of years of creative curiosity — and a willingness to step outside the safety of the written page.

From Page to Screen: Letting Go of Control

Adapting bestselling novels for television can be a delicate process, especially for an author whose readership spans continents. Läckberg has been candid about how difficult — and necessary — it was to loosen her grip on her characters when they entered the world of screenwriting.

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Unlike novels, where every thought and detail can be spelled out, television demands collaboration. Directors, actors, producers, and editors all bring their own interpretations. Läckberg has embraced this shift, seeing it not as a loss of authorship but as an evolution of storytelling. The emotional truth, she says, matters more than strict fidelity to the page.

That mindset is visible in Camilla Läckberg’s Erica, which draws from her iconic Fjällbacka series while allowing room for reinvention. The show keeps her signature tension intact but updates pacing and tone for modern audiences who binge rather than browse.

Why Crime Stories Still Matter

Despite her growing presence in entertainment formats, Läckberg remains deeply connected to crime fiction’s core purpose. Her stories are rarely just about who committed the crime; they are about why. Abuse, generational trauma, jealousy, and power dynamics frequently sit at the heart of her narratives.

This emotional grounding is one reason her work travels so well internationally. Whether set in Sweden or adapted for global screens, the conflicts feel universal. Viewers may not recognize the snowy coastal towns, but they recognize broken families, hidden secrets, and moral ambiguity.

In an era dominated by fast-paced thrillers, Läckberg’s work stands out for its patience. She trusts audiences to sit with discomfort — and that trust has paid off.

Reality TV and Reinvention

Perhaps the most surprising twist in Läckberg’s career is her openness to reality television. Alongside scripted dramas, she has appeared on competition shows and, more recently, in a reality series centered on her family life.

Camilla Läckberg on TV, Film and Her Dream to Conquer America


For a writer known for dark, carefully structured narratives, this move raised eyebrows. But Läckberg views it as another form of storytelling — one grounded in authenticity rather than suspense. Sharing her everyday life, she has said, helped humanize her public image and challenged the stereotype of the reclusive crime author.

It also reflects a broader trend in modern media: audiences crave connection as much as content. Läckberg’s willingness to show vulnerability, humor, and imperfection has earned her a new kind of following — one that extends beyond bookshops and streaming platforms.

“Conquering America”: A Calculated Dream

Läckberg doesn’t hide her ambition. Breaking into the U.S. market, she admits, feels like one of the last great challenges of her career. While Nordic Noir has enjoyed success in America, truly crossing over as a household name remains rare for non-English-language authors.

Yet the timing may finally be right. Streaming platforms have erased borders, and American audiences are more open than ever to international stories — provided they feel authentic. With adaptations airing globally and her name increasingly attached to high-quality productions, Läckberg believes her moment is approaching.

This isn’t about fame alone. For her, the U.S. represents creative validation: proof that stories born in a small Swedish town can resonate anywhere.

What Comes Next

As Läckberg balances writing, producing, and on-screen appearances, one thing remains clear: she is not slowing down. New projects are already in development, and discussions around future adaptations continue quietly behind the scenes.

What sets her apart isn’t just productivity, but fearlessness. Few authors are willing to reimagine themselves so completely after achieving literary success. Fewer still do it with such self-awareness.

For fans old and new, Camilla Läckberg’s evolving career offers a reminder that good stories don’t belong to a single format — and that even the most familiar voices can still surprise us.

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“Screaming, Crying, Almost Throwing Up”… Sundance Insiders Reveal the Untold Chaos Behind America’s Most Influential Film Festival

As the Sundance Film Festival prepares for a historic relocation to Boulder, Colorado, filmmakers, actors, and insiders look back at the nerves, breakthroughs, and life-changing moments that reshaped independent cinema forever.

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Sundance Film Festival Oral History: Inside the Chaos That Changed Indie Cinema
A packed screening at the Sundance Film Festival, where careers were made, nerves were shattered, and independent cinema found its voice.

For generations of filmmakers, three words have carried equal parts magic and terror: Sundance Film Festival. It is where careers are born, confidence is tested, and raw storytelling collides with unforgiving audiences. Now, as the iconic festival prepares to take its final bow in Utah before relocating to Boulder, those who lived through its defining moments are finally opening up.

The memories are visceral. Alumni describe shaking hands before premieres, nausea during packed screenings, and the unmistakable sound of silence — or applause — that decided their futures in seconds. “I was screaming, crying, almost throwing up,” one filmmaker recalls, echoing a shared sentiment that Sundance is less a festival and more an emotional trial by fire.

Where Independent Cinema Found Its Voice

Founded under the vision of Robert Redford, Sundance wasn’t designed to be comfortable. It was built to challenge Hollywood norms, giving space to films that didn’t fit studio formulas. Over time, that rebellious spirit became its identity.

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From its earliest days, Sundance rewrote the rules of who gets to be seen — and heard. Low-budget films, first-time directors, and unconventional stories found audiences hungry for authenticity. Many of today’s most respected filmmakers trace their breakthroughs back to a snowy screening room and a roomful of strangers willing to take a risk.

The festival didn’t just showcase films; it created a marketplace of ideas. Deals were struck in coffee shops, reputations were built overnight, and rejection was as common as discovery. That unpredictability is exactly what made Sundance matter.

“You Never Forget Your First Screening”

Ask any Sundance alum about their first screening, and the response is rarely polished. Words like panic, terror, and relief surface again and again. One director remembers gripping their seat, convinced the audience hated every frame — until the credits rolled and applause erupted. Another recalls leaving mid-screening, unable to bear the tension.

This emotional intensity became a rite of passage. Sundance audiences are famously discerning, sometimes brutally honest. But when they connect with a film, the reaction can be transformative. Careers have launched from a single standing ovation, while others learned harsh lessons about resilience and reinvention.

Sundance Film Festival Oral History: Inside the Chaos That Changed Indie Cinema


The Festival That Changed Hollywood’s Math

Sundance’s influence stretches far beyond awards or premieres. It altered how films are financed, distributed, and valued. Long before streaming platforms dominated the industry, Sundance proved that independent stories could attract mainstream attention — and profit.

Distributors scouted aggressively, critics shaped narratives overnight, and word of mouth became currency. Films that arrived without expectations often left with global buzz. The festival turned risk into reward and showed Hollywood that originality had a market.

A Bittersweet Goodbye to an Era

The decision to relocate the festival marks the end of a deeply emotional chapter. For many, Utah’s mountains are inseparable from Sundance’s soul — the late-night debates, snow-covered sidewalks, and chance encounters that felt cinematic themselves.

Moving to Boulder, Colorado, signals evolution rather than erasure. Organizers insist the festival’s mission remains unchanged: championing bold voices and challenging storytelling conventions. Still, the farewell has prompted reflection — and gratitude — from those whose lives were forever altered by a Sundance screening.

Why Sundance Still Matters

In an age of algorithms and instant content, Sundance remains stubbornly human. It thrives on risk, discomfort, and emotional honesty. Filmmakers don’t just present movies; they present themselves, vulnerable and exposed.

As the festival enters its next phase, its legacy is already secure. Sundance didn’t just launch films — it launched belief. Belief that stories from the margins deserve the spotlight, and that cinema, at its best, should make you feel something intensely… even if that feeling is terror.

And for those who survived their Sundance debut, one truth remains universal: you never forget the moment the lights go down — and everything changes.

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