The 2026 Disney Legends class has now been announced, and this year feels particularly interesting. It’s less about nostalgia for one specific era, and more about showcasing just how broad Disney has become.
From blockbuster films and Disney Channel icons to Imagineering and executive leadership, this is a line-up that spans the full scope of what Disney is today.
The 2026 Disney Legends
This year’s honourees include
- Bob Iger
- Dwayne Johnson
- Anne Hathaway
- Lin-Manuel Miranda
- Jonas Brothers
- Chris Berman
- Jerry Bruckheimer
- Susan Egan
- Eric Goldberg
- Kim Irvine
- Alan Tudyk
It’s a list that feels deliberately varied, and that’s what makes it work.
From Disney Channel to Blockbusters
This year’s class really highlights Disney’s reach across different audiences.
You’ve got Jonas Brothers representing the Disney Channel era, alongside Dwayne Johnson, whose role as Maui in Moana has become one of Disney’s most recognisable modern characters.
Then there’s Anne Hathaway, tied to The Princess Diaries, which for a lot of people sits right in that early 2000s comfort-watch category.
And of course, Lin-Manuel Miranda continues to represent Disney’s modern musical identity, shaping the sound of the current era in a way that feels genuinely comparable to the greats.
A Personal Highlight – Susan Egan
For me, one of the standout names here is Susan Egan.
As the voice of Meg in Hercules, she’s part of one of my all-time favourite Disney films. Meg is such a different kind of character. Witty, sharp, and not playing by the usual Disney rules.
It’s one of those performances that probably doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, which makes her inclusion here feel even more justified.
Imagineering Recognition Done Right
Then there’s Kim Irvine.
It would be very easy for some people to look at the Irvine name and jump straight to assumptions, given her father Leota Toombs is quite literally part of Haunted Mansion history.
But that does her a disservice.
Kim Irvine isn’t riding anyone’s coattails. She’s a creative force in her own right, with decades of work across Disney parks, including maintaining and evolving classic attractions while still respecting what made them special in the first place.
If anything, this feels like long-overdue recognition for someone who’s quietly shaped the park experience behind the scenes.
The Leadership That Redefined Disney
It’s impossible to talk about this year’s class without focusing on Bob Iger. His impact goes far beyond any single film or franchise. He fundamentally changed what Disney is.
Under his leadership, Disney acquired:
• Pixar
• Marvel
• Lucasfilm
• 21st Century Fox
Those moves didn’t just expand Disney. They completely reshaped it into the entertainment giant we know today.
And you can see that impact everywhere, from cinema screens to theme parks to streaming.
Realistically, modern Disney without Iger looks very different. Smaller, less ambitious, and nowhere near as dominant.
A Class That Feels Like “Disney Today”
What makes the 2026 Legends class stand out is how current it feels.
This isn’t just about looking back. It’s about recognising the people who have shaped the Disney we’re experiencing right now.
From blockbuster storytelling to park experiences and executive decisions, this class reflects a company that has evolved massively over the last two decades.
Final Thoughts
The Disney Legends programme has always been about legacy, but this year feels especially relevant.
Because when you look at this list, you’re not just looking at Disney’s past. You’re looking at the people who built the version of Disney we’re living in today.
And whether that’s through a film, a song, a character, or even a business decision, every name on this list has played a part in shaping that experience.
Leave a Reply