A new book about Disney President Robert Iger, the frontrunner to become the Burbank entertainment giant’s next CEO, could poke damaging holes in his reputation at a time when Disney board members are searching for the ideal replacement for Michael Eisner, the L.A. Times reported.

The book by James B. Stewart called “DisneyWar” paints a portrait of Iger as an embattled and sometimes insecure man who hungers for respect and recognition, especially from his boss, Eisner, the Times says.

The book, which won’t hit stores until later this month, is already is the talk of Hollywood, said the paper, which had obtained a draft of the 804-page book.

Disney initially cooperated with Stewart while he researched his book, but in recent weeks has been battling behind the scenes with the author and his publisher, Viacom Inc.-owned Simon & Schuster, over rather unflattering passages about Iger and Eisner. Disney executives have insisted the claims of the book are either slanted or erroneous.

Representatives for Disney suggested that legal action could be brought against Simon & Schuster if the book were found to contain inaccuracies, said the Times.