Entertainment Industry Moves: Disney Promotions, New Series Development, and Merger Advocacy

This week in entertainment deals, Walt Disney Studios promoted Melissa Stone to Senior Vice President of Publicity, where she will oversee global PR strategy for all major labels including Disney Live Action, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm, and 20th Century Studios. The promotion was announced on August 12, 2026, and Stone will report to Martha Morrison, president of the studio. Separately, former Disney CEO Bob Chapek's memoir, 'Behind the Castle Walls,' is set for release on September 29, 2026, chronicling his 30-year tenure and the events surrounding his ouster and Bob Iger's return.