Epic Games is refuting claims regarding delays in its collaborative project with Disney, known as the Disney Fortnite initiative. A report by The Wall Street Journal suggested that the development of this $1.5 billion endeavor had slowed due to Disney’s concerns about user-generated content and AI capabilities, following several moderation and legal challenges.
Internally designated as “Bulldog,” the project aims to create a persistent Disney universe within Fortnite, allowing players to explore themed islands based on beloved franchises such as Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar, all utilizing Unreal Engine and Fortnite Creative tools.
In response to the negative portrayal, Epic’s CEO Tim Sweeney took to social media to clarify the situation. He labeled the claims made by the WSJ as “inaccurate and unfair,” asserting that the collaboration is actually progressing at an accelerated pace of “10x the ordinary speed” typical for media partnerships in the gaming industry. Sweeney expressed frustration that a statement he provided to the journalist was not included in the piece.
The WSJ article raised concerns about Disney’s loss of confidence in granting creative freedom to players, particularly after an incident in May 2025 where an AI-generated version of Darth Vader was utilized to utter inappropriate language. This led to immediate backlash and subsequent legal implications, prompting Disney to reconsider the extent of player creativity in relation to its iconic characters.
Despite these concerns, both Epic Games and Disney publicly stand united in their vision for this project. During Unreal Fest 2025, Disney executive Sean Shoptaw emphasized the importance of the creator community, highlighting that Disney is keen to allow fans to construct unique experiences with their favorite characters.
If these plans come to fruition, this collaboration promises to become one of the most ambitious licensed environments ever designed within a live service game, currently set for a launch in Fall 2026. The potential for innovation in interactive storytelling could captivate fans like never before.
The optimism surrounding the project’s vision and the commitment from both companies suggests that, despite the challenges faced, there is a significant opportunity ahead for a groundbreaking gaming experience.