After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company

by Neil O'Brien

The untold succession struggle at Walt Disney Productions following the death of its founder, and the generational transformation which led to the birth of the modern multibillion-dollar animation industry.

Walt Disney left behind big dreams when he died in 1966. Perhaps none was greater than the hope that his son-in-law, Ron Miller, would someday run his studio. Under Miller’s leadership, Disney expanded into new global theme parks, computer animation, cable television, home video, and video games. Despite these innovations, Ron struggled to expand the Disney brand beyond its midcentury image of wholesome family entertainment, even as times and tastes evolved. Tensions between Miller and Walt’s nephew, Roy E. Disney, threatened to destroy the company, leading Wall Street “Gordon Gekko” types to come after Mickey Mouse.

At the same time, the aging Animation Department—once the core of Walt’s business—was one memo away from shutting down forever. Rather, thanks to the radical efforts of Walt’s veterans to recruit and nurture young talent, it was revived by this sudden influx of artists who would go on to revolutionize the film industry. Additionally, this new generation would prove over time that animation was so much more than just kids’ stuff—it was a multibillion dollar industry.

This is the upstairs-downstairs story of the executives and animators who clashed and collaborated to keep America’s most storied company alive during the most uncertain period in its one hundred year history.

Genres: Nonfiction, Business, Biography, Audiobook, Media Tie In

288 pages, Paperback

Published March 4, 2025

Reviews

[Martin Maenza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Post Hill Press provided an early galley for review.

Disney died just a year after I was born, yet as a child of the late-60's and early-70's his influence was a big part of my entertainment. Whether re-releases of classic films or the weekly TV shows, comic books and records and toys, the Disney brand was ever-present.

O'Brien does a fine job with his narrative. I enjoyed reading about the transition period which included some of the initial first-run Disney films I saw as a kid (The Aristocats, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Robin Hood). This book also educated me about the 1960's Lloyd Alexander juvenile fantasy novels from The Chronicles of Prydain series which was the source material for the 1985 animated film The Black Cauldron. This latter film also serves as the spine of O'Brien's narrative in covering the Disney era between Walt's departure and Michael Eisner's rise.

This is a fascinating read for those who enjoy looking behind the curtain.

[Rina B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy of this ARC. All views and opinions are my own.

As someone who grew up watching Disney movies and going to Disney theme parks for vacations with my family, I was excited to read this book and learn more about Disney’s history as a business, and the stories behind the growth of the beloved animation department.

The author did a great job researching and getting input from past and present Disney players. There was just some chapters that I felt like too many names were mentioned, that it felt difficult keeping track of who’s who. I would appreciate if there was a short timeline or organizational chart included in the book that readers can easily refer to.

For fans of books like “Barbarians At The Gate”, “The Smartest Guys In The Room”, the film “Wall Street” and the show “Succession”, the chapters describing the attempts of corporate raiders to takeover Disney, as well as the power struggle between Ron Miller vs Roy E Disney did not disappoint.

Overall, I think this book has the potential to become one of those classic business case studies that describe how an iconic company like Disney continues to be relevant and adapts to changing trends and consumer preferences.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Disney since I was a kid (Beauty & The Beast OG is my favorite movie) so when I was approved for this on NetGalley, I was ecstatic! I learned so many things about the company that I didn't know. This was very informative but also kept my attention and I never got bored. Neil O'Brien did a fantastic job and I would highly recommend this! Special Thank You to Neil O'Brien,Post Hill Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book. It will be released on March 4, 2025.

As a lifelong Disney fan, the title and description of this book intrigued me. Overall, I found it quite interesting. After Disney looks at an interesting time in the company after Walt’s passing. Most of the book is focused on the 1970s and 1980s during the time Walt’s son-in-law was leading the company. It also largely focuses on the Disney Animation department. The book is very well researched, and I could tell that it was a passion project for the author. I learned a lot and reading this book also made me want to read more about the company’s history. Another reviewer said their eyes glazed over when the author delved into lengthy lists of names and facts, and I agree with that statement.

I would recommend After Disney for readers very interested in the Disney company or the art and business of animation.

[Dave Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Neil O’Brien’s After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America’s Favorite Media Company is the story of how Disney navigated the uncertain years after Walt Disney’s death in 1966. According to O’Brien, Walt’s brother, Roy O. Disney, initially planned to shut down feature animation after The Jungle Book, believing no one but Walt could make animated films worth producing. Key insiders persuaded him to keep it alive, leading to new investments, the launch of the animation training program, and the creation of the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) as a feeder school for Disney talent.

The book explores the often-overlooked tenure of Walt’s son-in-law, Ron Miller, whose leadership brought both successes, like the hit Splash under the new Touchstone label, and challenges, including box-office disappointments and a shrinking family audience. O’Brien shares the creative and personal rivalries between Ron Miller, Roy E. Disney, and other executives, as well as the defection of animator Don Bluth, which nearly crippled the animation department.

Major films of the era, such as The Black Cauldron, The Rescuers, Pete’s Dragon, and live-action experiments like Never Cry Wolf, help us understand Disney’s struggle to adapt to changing tastes, the rise of PG-rated family films, and competition from the likes of Star Wars.

The story builds toward the corporate battles of the early 1980s, when Wall Street raiders targeted Disney, prompting Roy E. Disney to orchestrate a leadership change that installed Michael Eisner and Frank Wells at the top. This new regime, alongside Jeffrey Katzenberg, revitalized Disney Animation with fresh talent from CalArts and bold new projects, setting the stage for the “Disney Renaissance” of the late 1980s and 1990s. O’Brien blends boardroom drama, creative struggles, and cultural shifts to show how Disney evolved from a vulnerable, post-Walt studio into a diversified global powerhouse.

Key Takeaways

• Walt Disney’s death nearly ended feature animation. Roy O. Disney planned to close the animation department, but key allies convinced him to keep it alive.
• CalArts became a critical talent pipeline. Created from Walt’s vision, it trained a new generation of animators who fueled Disney’s revival.
• Ron Miller’s leadership was pivotal but controversial. He expanded Disney into PG-rated and more mature films via Touchstone, while still facing internal resistance.
• Don Bluth’s departure was a major blow. His exit, along with a dozen trained animators, left the animation department struggling to rebuild.
• The 1970s and early 1980s were creatively uneven. Projects ranged from Pete’s Dragon to The Black Hole, with mixed critical and commercial success.
• Corporate raiders nearly took over Disney. Saul Steinberg’s greenmail attempt and Irwin Jacobs’s stock buys forced leadership changes.
• Roy E. Disney engineered the 1984 leadership shift. He brought in Michael Eisner and Frank Wells, with Jeffrey Katzenberg leading the motion picture division.
• The Black Cauldron marked a transition. It was a costly underperformer but signaled the passing of the torch from the “Nine Old Men” to younger animators.
• Eisner’s era saw explosive growth. Theme parks, Touchstone Pictures, and animation successes pushed revenue past $8.5 billion in a decade.
• Roy E. Disney was the protector of animation. His advocacy ensured the department survived, leading to the “Disney Renaissance” and iconic hits of the late 1980s and 1990s.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Post Hill Press for providing me an advanced copy of this book for my review.

Many Disney fans are familiar with the story of how the studio created by Walt and Roy grew from a little shop in the Silver Lake section of Los Angeles into a company known the world over for bringing many great stories and lovable characters to life. A lot of folks know the story of Disney’s renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s, when a new age of classic animated and live action films, spectacular theme park experiences, and bold business decisions made “Walt’s little studio” into one of the world’s biggest media conglomerates. But not that many folks are as familiar with the years between these two eras, where Disney tried its best to carry on without its founders, sometimes with popular acclaim and other times with the indifference of the public. The story of the years between Walt Disney’s death and the rise of The Walt Disney Company under Michael Eisner and Frank Wells is a fascinating tale, as well, and Neil O’Brien does a wonderful job of sharing this less well known story in his book “After Disney”.

Neil’s book is the story of a new generation of artists brought in and trained in-house or at the new California Institute of the Arts, eager to learn about animation and to show what they could accomplish. It’s the story of a movie and animation studio that had learned to play it safe to satisfy their audiences, only to discover that Hollywood and their audiences had moved on. It’s the story of a son and a son in law of the studio’s founders, who started their movie careers on the Disney lot and took their places in the company’s leadership, only to find themselves in conflict over their visions for the company. It’s the story of how animation at Disney almost died after Walt’s death, and the tale of a long-in-development animated feature that tried to go in a new direction but didn’t live up to its commercial expectations. It’s the story of the last days of Walt’s masters of animation and the first days of young animators who would become the masters in a new era of classic Disney animation. It’s the story of a new CEO who took Disney in new directions while trying to satisfy its core fans, only to be forced out when corporate raiders threatened to break up the company. It was a tumultuous yet exciting era in Disney history, and the new golden age of Disney wouldn’t have been possible without it.

Neil’s book may seem pretty short, but it packs a lot of information and anecdotes into it; we hear from many folks from that era at the studio, many whose stories haven’t been heard before. There are several things I learned from reading this book that were a big surprise to me; the book does a great job of setting the record straight on some of the more persistent myths and exaggerations about that era. Anyone with an interest in Disney and animation history needs to have a look at this book. Even if you’re a casual Disney fan, give “After Disney” a read - as a famous song from Disney’s second golden age proclaims, “you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.” Recommended!

[Charlie Gessner · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Disney by Neil O’Brien does a brilliant job of covering the time after Walt Disney’s death up to the beginning of the Eisner/Wells/Katzenberg era of Disney. This time period (in my opinion) is very much under represented and this book does a brilliant job of covering this very difficult period of Disney’s corporate history.

The book mainly focuses on Ron Miller (Walt’s son-in-law) and his attempt to lead the Disney company through the late 1960s thru mid-1980s. The famous “Nine Old Men” are discussed as animation transforms itself from Disney into this era, with new animators discussed such as Don Bluth, Glean Keane, and many others. A good chunk of the book discusses how the animated film “The Black Cauldron” played an important role of bringing Disney into this new era, as well as other films such as Tron, Country, and the advent of the Disney Channel and cable television.

For those that are into the history of Disney, I think you’ll be fascinated by this time period. While certainly not its most profitable from a box office standpoint, the stories and the “changing of the guard” bring light into how Disney has transformed itself from Walt’s original vision. If you’re looking for lots of info on the theme parks, you’ll be disappointed. Epcot is briefly discussed, as are a few of the international parks, but they are not the focus of this book.

Now, if O’Brien would write a book about the Eisner/Wells period or “Disney decade”, I’d be over the moon. For this one though, it’s a solid and quick read!

[Jamie Hecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

In After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America's Favorite Media Company, Neil O’Brien delivers a meticulously researched and deeply human narrative about Walt Disney Productions in the challenging years after Walt’s death in 1966. Far from being just a corporate history, the book reads like palace intrigue, revealing the internal power struggles, the near collapse of Disney’s animation department, and the emergence of a new creative generation that would redefine the company. O’Brien, with his background as a veteran journalist, writes with clarity on a critical time for the Disney company.
For me, After Disney helps to compliment my understanding of the studio that Walt and his brother Roy founded in 1923. For much of its history, it was known as Walt Disney Productions; Roy understood who the creative was in their partnership. The corporate name wasn’t changed until 1986 with the new management team of Michael Eisner and Frank Wells. Henceforth, it is now known as The Walt Disney Company.
The time frame of the book occurred during a formative time of my life. As a lifelong fan of the Disney brand and now a Disney historian, the events of the 1970’s and 1980’s at WDP are just as compelling as when the studio defied gravity with the release of Snow White, the opening of Disneyland and the blockbuster Mary Poppins.
After Disney, along with Disney War by James B. Stewart and the Don Hahn documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty, share adjacent insights into the company’s operations during this era, with focus on the transition from Ron Miller to Eisner, and the rebirth of Disney feature animation.
One of the book’s most compelling threads is the leadership of Ron Miller, Walt’s son-in-law, who inherits a company in flux. Under his stewardship, Disney expands into cable television, home video, video games, and global theme parks, all ambitious moves that reflect Miller’s vision of broadening the Disney brand. But these expansions don’t come without conflict. O’Brien details tense boardroom battles, most notably between Miller and Roy E. Disney. That clash, combined with existential anxiety over whether the animation studio should even remain open, drives much of the narrative tension. Prior to reading After Disney, I perceived Ron Miller as a two-dimensional character, enmeshed in the Disney company as a nepotistic favor to daughter Dianne. He comes across as affable and cautious in his brief footage in Waking Sleeping Beauty. My judgment of Ron Miller changed when I finished reading After Disney, to a more effective and studious executive.
Animation itself appears as both a creative and financial battleground. O’Brien recounts how veteran animators recruit and mentor young talent, particularly from CalArts, to keep the “Nine Old Men” legacy alive. At the same time, departures like that of Don Bluth threaten to decimate Disney’s animation foundation. It’s in these pages that the book is most emotionally resonant: you feel the weight of history, the burden of legacy, and the audacity of younger artists who want to push the medium forward.
Ultimately, After Disney succeeds as a revealing and authoritative chronicle of a company in transformation. It’s a tribute to the resilience, ambition, and creativity that kept Disney alive after Walt.

[Kelsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this book on Audible, and as a big Disney fan, I truly appreciated the level of detail and insight this book brought. My family is vacationing at the parks soon, and this book gives me more appreciation for the company's journey - plus fun anecdotes to share during our travels.
The book dragged a bit in the chapters about Cal Arts. I thought it was a bit too much detail about that facet of Disney. The book definitely focused on the animation and film side of the business and while mentioned, didn't get in the weeds of the theme parks and imagineering. The pace picked up again though, and I like how the ending brought us all the way to modern times. I would recommend this!

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4/5

I have always been fascinated and inspired by Walt Disney and what he built, and have a huge appreciation and passion for the parks especially.
This book is a captivating deep dive into one of the most significant but often overlooked periods in Disney’s history; the post-Walt years. We get a look at the leadership of Ron Miller, Walt Disney’s son-in-law, and the challenges he faced in modernizing the company while staying true to its legacy.
The author did an excellent job of detailing the internal conflicts, creative struggles, and business maneuvers that shaped Disney in the late 20th century, setting the stage for its eventual renaissance.

I applaud the ability to effectively blend corporate strategy with personal stories, making an engaging narrative. The sections covering the evolution of Disney animation, particularly how veteran animators mentored a new generation, are really interesting and insightful.

Even though it is packed full of knowledge, the writing is clear and thorough. However, some readers might get bored with some of the business details of the book. A couple sections could have maybe benefited from a tighter focus, especially when covering financial dealings and executive shake-ups.

For Disney fans, animation enthusiasts, and those curious about media industry transformations, “After Disney” is an inspiring and intriguing read! Highly recommend for those interested in Disney history beyond the usual focus on Walt himself.

Many thanks to Post Hill Press for providing me this advanced reader copy of the book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

[Lizz Axnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent and informative book for any Disney fan. This book paints the picture of what was happening within the Disney company after Walt's unexpected death. There are a lot of interesting stories in here, which I don't want to spoil for anyone about the fate of the animation department and the formation of CalArts for the next Disney animators. I really enjoyed learning about why things were done the way they were and was unaware of the rivalry between Ron Miller and Roy E. Disney (Roy O.'s son).

Thank you to Post Hills Press and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Bibliohiker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This was a behind the scenes book, if you will, of how Disney moved forward after Walt’s death. It was interesting to see how the company did with various people at its helm; some being better suited for the role than others. It was interesting to read how Disney has evolved and changed throughout the years.

[Sarah-Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with access to an arc of this book.

As a lifelong Disney fan, I was interested in this title because I'm fascinated by how Disney continued operating after Walt died. That this book discussed the Black Cauldron was an added bonus because I really enjoyed that movie and the way it is based on Welsh mythology, but also the way its seen as the film that nearly brought Disney down is interesting as a concept. Reading about some of the films that were released in a post Walt world was of course the thing I was most excited for, but getting a closer look behind the curtain at CalArts and the animation department was fascinating and I now want to learn even more about that aspect.

This did definitely read like a case study at points with several sentences just listing elements. But as someone who is getting back into reading non-fiction it was well put together and definitely gave me more insight into a company that is near and dear to my heart.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating history after Walt Disney’s death and how it came to be the company we know today

[Daniel Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

From BetweenDisney.com

There are a handful of great books that detail the fall of Ron Miller as the CEO of the Walt Disney Company and his replacement by Michael Eisner. These chronicles often include the role of Roy E. Disney in Miller’s removal and his chosen successor. These books often put Eisner front and center. What has really been missing is a book that outlines Miller’s career, the obstacles he sought to overcome, and the state of the Company during his time as CEO. Would it be cliche to say, until now?

After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America’s Favorite Media Company by Neil O’Brien provides a study of Disney's corporate history through the Miller era. The text focuses heavily on animation and meets one of O’Brien’s stated goals of developing an oral history of Disney animation during this period. O’Brien walks us through the origins of Miller and Roy E. Disney, who were never close despite externally being seen as the faces of the company after the deaths of Walt and Roy O. Roy E. Disney early on leaves the stage as he sought to create new opportunities for himself creatively and in investments. Miller was faced with the challenge of leading a company in transition as the older animators that Disney films were based on aged but saw no one in-house to fill their creative leadership. The company then fostered the creation of a new Character Animation department at CalArts to mentor a new future Disney animation cadre, with members of that first class including legends like Brad Bird, Jerry Rees, and John Musker. The text gives us a case study, as we watch the old guard and new artists interacting in the development of animated features, especially the stalled The Black Cauldron. The book also discusses how Miller led the company and his attempt to evolve the studio, especially around live-action films with the creation of Touchstone Pictures which would allow more hard-hitting storytelling. Finally, the book discusses Roy E. Disney’s move to resign from the Board and leverage his shares to install Eisner and Frank Wells into Disney leadership. The book ends with the author noting the changes that went into effect during the Miller period, especially the training of new animators, which pushed forward an animation renaissance both internally and externally.

I have one minor gripe, the cover gives us the impression that this is a story of MIller vs Roy E. fighting for the soul of Disney. It’s really not, as Disney removed himself for much of this period as an employee. The real focus in this book is on culture and day-to-day under Miller. A more fitting cover to communicate what will occur in the book might have been Gurgi from The Black Cauldron as much of the tension around staffing, leadership, and storytelling are told through the lens of developing this movie It was the “Author’s Note” at the end that even more clarifies this, as O’Brien notes his desire to write an oral history of animation and his interest in the Lloyd Alexander stories. I will raise my hand and admit that I am of an age and fandom to have also been pulled into those books. I also find myself wanting to know more about why the film I wanted to see so badly didn’t work. So the recurring film and its development helped keep me engaged in Miller’s struggle in running a company and legacy left to him by his beloved father-in-law. But the story is not a duel between two businessmen, that I felt the cover provided me.

The discussion about The Black Cauldron is so strong, that I didn’t even mention the rise of Don Bluth’s star at the studio. This just shows that for readers there is not just one engaging story in this volume, but levels of complexity.

This really is a well-written and sourced book. I will argue that it’s also very well-balanced. While I did find a lot to admire about Miller as I read the book, I also felt like O’Brien didn’t attempt to romanticize him. And I personally think Miller, Eisener, and Roy E. are all figures that should be respected as Disney Legends as while they may not have always worked well together, they did all three leave important contributions to the company. They were people, and this is what O’Brien gives us, interesting people ranging from corporate leaders, to directors like Joe Hale, to even struggling animators like Glen Keane who lived through these interesting times of change. This is the type of story that reminds us that change happens, people are part of it, and we are people.


After Disney: Toil, Trouble, and the Transformation of America’s Favorite Media Company by Neil O’Brien is one of my favorite Disney history books of 2025. O’Brien gives us a story about real people, with real feelings as they transition through changes in corporate culture and American storytelling. The use of The Black Cauldron as a story focus, really helped me stay engaged as it’s a movie release that confused me in its failure as someone who loved the Alexander stories as a child. And it allows the author through it’s long development to talk about the changing Disney corporate landscape. And I think best of all, it gives readers a well-balanced picture of Ron Miller who is often a quick note in Disney's corporate leadership history, hidden by the shadow of Walt Disney, Bob Iger, and Eisner.



Review Copy Provided for Review

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was still a kid when Disney World was being built in my state of Florida. As such, other than hoping to one day get to go and see Cinderella's Castle, I didn't give it much thought. Imagine my delight when many years later, I was able to not only visit there but attend a "Backstage Disney" class for teachers that took us, whoa, under that same castle and into what is really the first level of the park, the part underneath all the magical sights we see. Yes, it truly is a magical place.

Given that, it's amazing to look back via this book and discover the turmoil that was going on behind the scenes that made decisions of what would be filmed, when, and such details that we mere "guests", as Disney insists paying customers be called, never gave one moment's attention. I won't even attempt to summarize it all as it was long lasting and the names are both familiar and unheard. I definitely enjoyed getting to know some of those unknown faces via the book, giving me new insights into the germ of an idea for, say, Fantasia, or the comings and goings of people like Tim Burton of Nightmare Before Christmas fame. It's equally astonishing to realize how close we may have come to never seeing the likes of Beauty and the Beast or Lion King, among others. Disney's animation department may have been its heart and core at the beginning, with many of the animators being with Walt Disney even before Mickey Mouse, but its survival wasn't guaranteed by any means. You'll also learn of the Disney family's involvement, both token and active, over the years and the role they played in the survival of the park.

For the most part, it's an easy read, somewhat conversational in tone. That said, when the author delves into lengthy lists of names and facts, jumping back and forth in time a bit, I did find my eyes tending to glaze over at times. It'll probably depend upon how business savvy you are or interested in mergers and corporate structures and power struggles as to where you fall on that aspect. I was glad to see so many unknown to me names not only get credit, however, but be fleshed out as real people. Disney's magic is based around family values and it made it easier for me to care about what was happening to those involved, whether creative or management. Even the family had struggles with these aspects of what became a massively huge conglomeration of different parts and sections, many of them giving rise to the likes of, say, Pixar. It was quite nice to see Disney's daughter emerge more in her later years, making her feelings and ideas known, too. Family. That's the key to Disney magic and it seems like that despite all the disgruntlement at times, those who thrived remembered that concept. So, no simple, quick read, but one that will give you insight into what keeps that magic going and it isn't all pixie dust.

Bottom line, for those of us who grew up with Disney, whether watching the cartoons, nature shows, or usually child-friendly movies, this is an intriguing read. It even delves into how difficult it was to decide not only to stretch self-imposed limits as times changed, but how the reactions both within and without of the organization impacted those making them. For me, child of the pixie dust, of course, it was fascinating to read how the animators worked, the meticulous skill and attention required, not to mention how many re-draws were done in record time. And, yes, seeing the finesse and skills of early female animators gain their rightful place was also a "You go, girl!" moment. Thanks #PostHillPress for allowing me this sneak peek behind doors I didn't even know existed. That said, I still think fondly of the mantra we teachers took away from our workshop there which might be summarized as when the going gets tough, spread a little more pixie dust. More pixie dust for Disney, please. We need them all the more in this day and age.

[Online Eccentric Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

More reviews (and no fluff) on the blog http://surrealtalvi.wordpress.com/

This was a fascinating read into the fraught time period just after Walt Disney's death but before the Eisner/Wells. The research is well done and the author gives enough detail to be interesting but not too plodding. Throughout it all is the existential crisis of the animation film departments as Walt's stepson Ron Miller takes the helm of the company.

The book is fairly chronological and begins with the death of Walt. New animated features were in the works (the Jungle Book - the last animated film Walt had a hand in) but Walt's brother Roy Disney had felt it would be impossible to continue without Walt. Ron Miller, however, championed the animation department and was able to convince the board for it to continue. His hopes were pinned on a new, more modern, and more bold animation direction in the form of an adaptation of a children's book series based on Welsh Legends, the Prydain series. The movie would be named after the second book: The Black Cauldron.

A lot of the book is about the studio learning to pivot, to become more modern but also retain Disney timelessness. Ron Miller wanted the studio to put out more movies and animation that would appeal to all ages and not be seen as 'unhip' or 'childish.' This led to the dark Black Cauldron movie but also to the creation of Touchstone pictures and more PG rated fare.

A sub thread is also about the issues between Ron Miller and Roy E Disney (some of Walt's Brother Roy O Disney). The present has not been kind to Ron Miller since history always favors the victor. Roy E Disney would eventually get Ron Miller forced out but this book makes some great observations about how good a job Ron Miller was actually doing with the company (despite Roy E's protestations otherwise). I enjoyed reading a much more balanced and fair view at the situation. The book follows the Disney company up until Ron Miller leaves and Michael Eisner/Frank Wells are installed as the new leadership.

In all, there is a lot to enjoy and learn here. It was especially interesting that everyone thought the Black Cauldron would be Disney's magnum opus animation and even advanced screenings were highly positive. Yet now it is considered one of Disney's worst. There are a lot of similar stories which the author helps explain in solid detail as to why they failed or succeeded.

In all, a great read with a lot of fascinating observations about the Disney company during that key transition period after Walt's death. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Glenn Welch · Rating 3 out of 5]

After Disney is a thoughtful and well-researched look at a transitional period in Disney history, with a strong focus on Ron Miller’s tenure at the company. Neil O’Brien clearly respects Miller and makes a compelling case for reexamining his contributions, especially in areas like Touchstone Pictures and animation. That said, the book leans a bit too sympathetic at times, glossing over some of the missteps that contributed to Disney’s leadership shakeup in the mid-’80s. I appreciated the deeper dive into Miller’s legacy, but for a more balanced take on this era, I personally preferred "Disney In-Between" by Stephen Anderson. Still, this is a solid read for Disney history fans looking to explore the post-Walt years with a fresh perspective.

[Jonathan Liu · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are curious what was going on at the studio started by the Disney Bros. between Aristocats and Black Cauldron in terms of the company coming to grips with animation and its future, this is a nail-biter that succinctly grapples with the controversies surrounding the issue and takes you on a magical journey with a heartfelt ending despite real human disagreements. I heard Brad Bird at a talk recently recite almost exactly what is in the book in terms of recalling the history of the three schools of thought divided by where to take Disney's animation style.

[Jane Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating behind the scenes look at Disney post Walt’s death. I love a good Disney film and found myself smiling at memories of watching some of the older films. It was a rare insight into the power struggles behind the animation and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s ever watched a Disney film (that’s everyone, right?!)

[Michael Pack · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Florida resident (at least for part of the year) it is almost inevitable to catch the Disney bug. This was a well researched book covering the tumultuous period following Walt Disney’s death. I enjoy reading inside stories about corporate dealings, and this was entertaining, though it focused a bit too much on a few films.

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC. I LOVE Disney and thought I’d find this interesting but it was just jam packed with so many minute details of the business that I found it slow and laborious to read. It was informative but not entertaining.

[Courtney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually love reading History items on Disney.
However i felt a good chunk of this book revolve around the Cauldron.
It was interesting to read how some of the movies came around and how the staff was back and forth for various reasons.

[Wayne Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic book about a challenging time in Disney's history.

[Sara Perlowitz · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a hard book to get through even for someone who loves Disney. Maybe it just wasn’t what I expected but it just felt very dense with names and information.

[Jesse M · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are many aspects of Disney’s history that appear enigmatic. The company seemed disoriented, and this explains much of the confusion.