Disney fans and creators are up in arms after CEO Bob Iger revealed plans to add user-made AI videos to Disney Plus. The announcement, made during a recent earnings call, has sparked widespread backlash online, with calls to boycott the streaming service and strong words from industry insiders.
This move comes as Disney aims to boost user engagement, but many see it as a threat to human creativity. Artists worry it could flood the platform with low-quality content and hurt jobs in animation.
Bob Iger’s Big AI Reveal
Bob Iger shared the news in an earnings call, saying Disney Plus will soon let subscribers create and share short videos using AI tools. He described it as a way to make the service more interactive and fun for users.
The company is talking with AI firms to protect its characters and stories from misuse. Iger stressed that these partnerships would keep Disney’s intellectual property safe while adding new features.
This fits into Disney’s broader push into tech. The company has already teamed up with Epic Games for games on the platform, blending entertainment with user input.
Disney leaders believe AI can help fans make their own stories with beloved characters. Yet, the plan has not gone over well with everyone.
Backlash from Fans and Creators
The reaction was swift and harsh. Social media lit up with anger, as users accused Disney of killing creativity for quick profits.
One key voice in the outcry is Dana Terrace, creator of the animated series The Owl House. She blasted the idea and urged fans to cancel their subscriptions and even pirate her show instead.
Other artists echoed her views, calling the move a disgrace to Disney’s legacy of hand-drawn animation. They fear AI will replace real talent and lower the quality of content on the platform.
Memes and posts spread fast, with many saying this could be the end of true artistry at Disney. Some fans started petitions to push back against the change.
- Key criticisms include worries about job losses for animators.
- Concerns that AI content might include inappropriate uses of Disney characters.
- Fears that the platform will fill up with what some call “AI slop” instead of original work.
How This Fits Disney’s AI Journey
Disney has been dipping into AI for a while now. Back in mid-2025, Iger met with White House officials to talk about protecting company properties from AI misuse.
The company already uses AI in many parts of its business, from movie effects to park operations. Iger has said they aim to respect creators while exploring new tech.
But this latest step takes it further by putting AI tools in users’ hands. It’s part of a trend where streaming services add interactive features to keep viewers hooked.
Experts point out that other platforms have tried similar things with mixed results. For Disney, known for its classic tales, this could change how fans connect with its world.
In recent months, Disney has faced other tech-related debates, like using AI in marketing. This announcement builds on those efforts but amps up the controversy.
| Timeline of Disney’s AI Moves | Date | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | Iger meets White House on AI IP concerns | Discussed protecting characters from bad AI uses |
| August 2025 | Iger says AI is in all Disney businesses | Stressed respect for creators and IP |
| November 2025 | AI content announced for Disney Plus | Plans for user-generated short videos |
| November 2025 | Backlash erupts online | Creators and fans call for boycotts |
Why Artists Are So Upset
Animators and writers feel this hits close to home. Disney built its empire on human imagination, from Snow White to modern hits like Frozen.
Allowing AI-generated content could undercut that tradition. Many in the field have lost work to tech advances, and this feels like another blow.
Terrace’s strong words highlight the frustration. She called out leaders like Iger for chasing trends over supporting real artists.
Supporters of the plan say it empowers fans to create. But critics argue it devalues skilled labor and could lead to a flood of generic videos.
The debate ties into larger talks about AI in entertainment. Unions have pushed for rules to protect jobs, and this could spark more action.
What This Means for Disney Plus Users
For everyday subscribers, the change might bring fun new ways to play with Disney stories. Imagine making your own Mickey Mouse adventure in minutes.
But if backlash grows, it could hurt sign-ups. Some fans are already talking about switching to other services that stick to human-made content.
Disney has not set a launch date yet, but hints suggest it could come soon. The company might adjust plans based on feedback.
In the meantime, the uproar shows how touchy AI is in creative fields. It raises questions about the future of storytelling in a tech-driven world.
Looking Ahead to AI in Entertainment
This controversy is part of a bigger shift. Other studios are testing AI for scripts and effects, but Disney’s size makes its moves stand out.
Fans hope the company listens and finds a balance. Some suggest limits on AI use to keep the focus on quality.
As the story unfolds, it will be key to watch how Disney responds. Will they push forward or pull back amid the anger?
What do you think about Disney’s AI plans? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this article along to fellow fans for more discussion.
