Disney and Adobe Partner to Build Custom Generative AI

The Walt Disney Company and Adobe Inc. have entered a multi-year agreement to co-develop custom generative AI models trained on Disney's intellectual properties. Using Adobe's Firefly Foundry, the partnership will scale AI tools across Disney's studios, theme parks, and sports media businesses.

Initial deployments focus on concept exploration at StudioLAB and accelerating project timelines within the Disney Experiences division. Walt Disney Imagineering has already used custom image and sketch-to-image models to reduce creative processes from months to days. At ESPN, the companies will implement AI to improve archive accessibility and fan engagement.

Kyle Laughlin, Senior Vice President of R&D Technology and Engineering at Disney, stated that these tools are not intended to replace roles at Imagineering. However, the partnership arrives as Disney considers thousands of job cuts and targets 20% in annual cost savings.