Disney Archive

Disney just worked out a licensing deal for ESPN and gambling, bringing in a couple of billion over the next ten years (and sending Barstool Sports back into control of Dave Portnoy for $1 and some non-compete agreements).

When the Screen Actors Guild joined the Writers Guild of America in striking against the AMPTP last month, Disney CEO Bob Iger called workers’ demands for better pay and a cut of streaming profits “disturbing” and unrealistic.

This rumor — that Apple might acquire Disney — has been around forever, and there’s nothing in this Hollywood Reporter story that makes me think it’s real this time. But the story does lay out a fascinating case for how it might work:

The entertainment giant is looking into ways it can apply AI across its entire business, according to a report from Reuters. A source tells the outlet that Disney could use AI to lower the costs of its movie and TV productions, while also enhancing experiences at its parks.

In a move highlighted by Hollywood’s ongoing strikes and reports of unsustainable working conditions during the production of Across the Spider-Verse, a supermajority of the more than 50 people in Marvel Studios’ visual effects crews signed cards saying they want to be represented by the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE).

Mike White, who Disney appointed last year to oversee its metaverse ambitions, has left the company, according to a report from The Ankler.