Walt Disney Co. gave new details on the future of two of its most valuable franchises

Walt Disney Co. gave new details on the future of two of its most valuable franchises on Thursday, exciting fans and shareholders alike.
Speaking at the companys annual shareholders meeting in San Francisco, Chief Executive Robert Iger said Star Wars: Episode VIII will be released on May 26, 2017. Historically, Star Wars movies have always been released in May, but this year Episode VII: The Force Awakens was pushed back to December because of production delays.
In addition, animation chief creative officer John Lasseter, who also appeared at the meeting, said directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee have started work on a sequel to 2013s Frozen, the highest grossing animated film of all time.
The companys animation studios have typically been slower than live-action units to produce sequels, so while the news wasnt shocking, it was welcome for those who relish the value the musical has already created. In addition to grossing $1.3 billion at the box office, Frozen is one of the companys top consumer-products brands and is spawning new theme-park attractions.
All 10 of Disneys directors were re-elected with at least 94% support among the 87% of eligible shares cast via proxy before the meeting. Eighty-four percent supported the say on pay advisory vote on the compensation of executives including Mr. Iger, whose total pay package increased 35% in the last fiscal year to $46.5 million.
Resolutions introduced by shareholders to separate the CEO and chairman positions, which Mr. Iger currently holds, and to limit accelerated vesting of equity awards in case of a change in control, failed with votes of 28% and 24%, respectively. Both were opposed by the board.