Inside sources at Disney have hinted that Bob Iger’s stint at the head of the entertainment giant may be extended as he closes in on his planned retirement date.

Iger, who is set to leave the company in 16 months time, was initially thought to be being replaced by COO Tom Staggs, but the 25-year Disney veteran’s departure in April 2016 changed that, leaving Iger with no clear successor.

There had been speculation then that Staggs’ departure would lead to Iger staying on. At the time, the Disney board said it would identify a “robust slate of candidates for consideration”.

According to the Wall Street Journal, few inside Disney think any executives are currently poised to take the CEO role, and it may be difficult for an outsider "to get their hands around the world's largest media conglomerate in less than a year and a half."

Iger’s position will be further discussed on 3 March when Disney holds its annual shareholder meeting. More details about a possible extended stay for Iger will likely come out then.