Disney’s Future: Gaming and AI Under New Leadership?

With Bob Iger gearing up to step down in 2026, Disney is in the middle of a massive transition. The board is on the hunt for someone who can continue the company’s expansion into gaming, AI, and streaming—fields that are rapidly changing the landscape of entertainment. One name that’s popping up as a potential successor is Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts (EA). This article digs into how Wilson could reshape Disney’s approach to interactive entertainment.

Gaming and Streaming: Disney’s New Bread and Butter

If you’ve been paying attention, you know that under Iger’s watch, Disney has shifted gears big time. The launch of Disney+ was a game changer; it practically redefined how the company operates by reducing its dependence on traditional media channels. And let’s not forget about those lucrative partnerships in gaming—like that jaw-dropping $1.5 billion deal with Epic Games.

Wilson’s experience at EA—especially his knack for making billions from franchises like FIFA—is something that could be very appealing to a company looking to get deeper into interactive content. Given that he almost sold EA to Disney back in 2013 and has some history with the company, it seems like a match made in heaven.

The Double-Edged Sword of AI

Now let’s talk about one hot topic these days: artificial intelligence. Disney recently set up an Office of Technology Enablement (OTE), which sounds pretty sci-fi but is basically just their new department for managing tech adoption. It’s led by Jamie Voris, who has some ambitious plans for integrating AI across various segments of the company.

Bob Iger himself has said they want to use tech to enhance storytelling—not replace human storytellers. But let’s be real: there are concerns about job displacement, especially among creatives who might find themselves outgunned by an “AI that trades for you” version of George Lucas or Walt Disney.

Is Traditional Media Doomed?

As all this new focus unfolds, one has to wonder what it means for traditional media—the bread and butter of Disney since its inception. The answer seems complicated. While exclusive theatrical releases still have their place (and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good cinema experience?), balancing between streaming and theatrical releases is becoming increasingly tricky.

Disney has even admitted that its heavy investment in streaming content—which was supposed to be the future—has led to some hefty financial losses. So much so that they’re actually rethinking their entire content strategy with an eye toward cutting costs.

Summary: A Brave New World?

So here we are: Andrew Wilson might just be the person to lead Disney into this brave new world of gaming and AI dominance—or he might not be! Either way, one thing is certain: whoever takes over will have their hands full navigating these waters.