Disney Shifts AI Strategy After Sora Deal Collapse
During its Q3 earnings call, Disney reported $25.3 billion in revenue (up 7% year-over-year) and increased its share repurchase program to roughly $9 billion, reallocating cash that had been earmarked for an aborted OpenAI-related deal (Sora). Disney sold its 50% stake in A&E Global Media for $1.2 billion to Hearst, boosting buyback capacity. The company announced a partnership with TikTok to let creators use Disney assets and characters on Disney+’s new vertical feed, Verts. CEO Josh D’Amaro emphasized AI’s role in augmenting human-led storytelling and cited AI use in 3D/VFX, unified tech stacks (including integrating Hulu and Disney+ data), and AI-powered recommendations and creative work. Disney is also exploring a free/FAST product to expand ad reach.
- •Disney reported Q3 revenue of $25.3 billion, up 7% year-over-year.
- •Disney increased its share repurchase program to roughly $9 billion from about $7 billion.
- •Disney sold its 50% stake in A&E Global Media for $1.2 billion to Hearst.
