Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has refuted claims of delays in the highly anticipated Disney-Fortnite collaboration, known internally as “Project Bulldog.” Responding to recent media speculation, Sweeney took to X (formerly Twitter) to contest an anonymous source that suggested the project faced obstacles, describing the quote as “BS.” He highlighted that the partnership’s progress has been exceptionally rapid, operating at “around 10x the ordinary speed” compared to typical media deals.
His comments came after a Wall Street Journal report implied that the Disney-Fortnite metaverse, featuring a vast virtual world with themed islands for Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Avatar, had encountered hurdles. According to the report, Disney has expressed concerns regarding user-generated content and AI integrations as the project advanced.
The $1.5 billion partnership, which was initially announced in early 2024, had made significant strides, reaching a stable build by early 2025. However, momentum reportedly slowed due to various issues, including the introduction of an AI-controlled Darth Vader character that inadvertently led to inappropriate player interactions, raising alarm within Disney’s legal and branding departments.
Moreover, more tensions surfaced when SAG-AFTRA accused Epic of improperly utilizing AI to replace union voice work, stirring concerns over negotiations. Epic’s June 2025 introduction of the Persona Device, which allows creators to develop custom AI characters, also added to Disney’s anxieties, as they feared possible intellectual property disputes, particularly around fan-created content.
Despite these challenges, the project continues to attract attention and promises an innovative approach to interactive storytelling and gaming when it launches. Fans of both franchises remain hopeful about the project’s potential to create a unique and immersive experience in the Fortnite universe.