Wednesday, May 05, 2004

Fuck Michael Eisner: Remember the Alamo

Karma is a bitch, and Michael Eisner is finding that out, the hard way. According to Page Six, Mel Gibson is being touted as a possible successor:

"A consortium of mysterious European investors has approached Gibson about a possible takeover of Disney now that Comcast has thrown in the towel, sources told PAGE SIX. 'We were very impressed with the way Gibson handled The Passion of the Christ, ' one insider said. The group was especially motivated after The Passion, made for $25 million, raked in almost $600 million. 'Gibson has the sensibilities Hollywood needs,' says a source close to the star. 'He has the right insight to lead a studio. Look at those numbers! Now, that is how to make movies - none of this $120 million nonsense.'"

Why not? Look at the leadership of Eisner of late: he tanked -- big time -- on Alamo. He has consciously, studiously even, made sure not to groom a successor. Eisner has quixotically tossed $8 million for Clive Barkers Abarat series (like money down the toilet, because, of course, kids dig Clive Barker stories). And his ego singlehandedly fucked up the Pixar relationship.

Last but not least, Jim Rutenberg of the Old Gray Lady reports that The Mouse House is blocking Michael Moore's latest film:

"Disney came under heavy criticism from conservatives last May after the disclosure that Miramax had agreed to finance the film when Icon Productions, Mel Gibson's company, backed out.

"Mr. Moore's agent, Ari Emanuel, said Michael D. Eisner, Disney's chief executive, asked him last spring to pull out of the deal with Miramax. Mr. Emanuel said Mr. Eisner expressed particular concern that it would endanger tax breaks Disney receives for its theme park, hotels and other ventures in Florida, where Mr. Bush's brother, Jeb, is governor.

"'Michael Eisner asked me not to sell this movie to Harvey Weinstein; that doesn't mean I listened to him,' Mr. Emanuel said. 'He definitely indicated there were tax incentives he was getting for the Disney corporation and that's why he didn't want me to sell it to Miramax. He didn't want a Disney company involved.'"

One can almost see the pathetic Eisner, manic, like an African dictator about to be ousted, drenched in sweat, trying to cling to power. "Gibson passed on the flic. Now Gibson wants my job. They all want my job (looks over his shoulder). I gotta back out. Gotta. And the taxes. I can blow $100 million on Alamo, $8 million on Abarat. but I need those Florida tax breaks ..."

It's over Michael ... it's over.

Whether they replace you with Steve Jobs or Gibson, it's over, Johnny.

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