Major Adobe AI deal could reshape Disney’s creative process
Disney has signed a multi-year deal naming an official AI innovation partner — and it’s a tech heavyweight you already know.
At Adobe MAX 2026 in Miami (Nov. 11–12), Disney and Adobe unveiled a multiyear alliance built around “responsibly developed” AI for Disney’s artists and content teams. The plan gives Disney early access to Adobe’s newest AI and media tools and sets up joint development of custom models trained on Disney’s characters, stories and visual styles.
Under the deal, Disney gets first crack at several Adobe offerings, including:
- Adobe Firefly — generative AI for creatives
- Firefly Foundry — proprietary AI model tools
- Adobe Premiere — video editing
- Adobe Photoshop — digital imaging
The companies say the Disney-tuned models are meant to speed up production while keeping human creativity in the driver’s seat, with outputs described as commercially safe and production-ready. The collaboration builds on a long-running relationship between the two companies.
“Disney has always embraced innovation, and this alliance with Adobe builds on a longstanding relationship between two companies that share a deep commitment to creativity,” Becca Vodnoy, SVP of corporate alliances for Disney, said, via Variety.
What it could mean for viewers
On Disney’s 2025 year-end earnings call, executives outlined potential Disney+ features powered by AI: tools that could let subscribers create and share 30‑second clips with characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars, and game-like interactive elements layered onto shows and movies. The company framed the push as giving fans new ways to play with stories while keeping its IP protected.
Adobe will also spotlight its tech across Disney touchpoints through events and showcases, including Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, ESPN and Disney’s StudioLAB.