New Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro promised synthetic intelligence is not going to substitute human creativity on the Walt Disney Firm, however famous that the expertise has already been embraced by its workers.
D’Amaro, who was introduced as Bob Iger’s successor on Tuesday, touched on the subject of AI throughout his look on “ABC World Information Tonight With David Muir,” the place he advocated for human-made content material whereas additionally acknowledging a have to embrace ever-evolving expertise.
“The explanation this firm is so particular is due to how inventive we’re, and the human beings which might be producing that creativity,” D’Amaro stated. “In my thoughts, that by no means will get changed.”
That being stated, D’Amaro said that the age of synthetic intelligence “is right here,” and shared how the corporate has embraced it.
“You’re seeing it supercharge these creatives in superb methods,” he continued. “They usually have embraced synthetic intelligence. If you happen to had been to stroll over to their studios right this moment and see them utilizing AI … That is when the Walt Disney Firm thrives, when expertise intersects with good folks and creativity, and we’re in that second proper now.”
Disney confirmed on Tuesday that D’Amaro, the Disney Experiences chairman, would succeed Iger because the leisure large’s subsequent CEO. He’ll formally step into his place on March 18, with Iger persevering with to function Senior Advisor and a member of the Disney Board till his retirement from the corporate on Dec. 31, 2026.
The truth is, it was D’Amaro’s openness about AI that lead him to be chosen as Disney’s subsequent CEO, Iger informed Muir.
“One of many causes Josh was chosen for this place is, I’ve noticed him through the years … as somebody that views expertise as a possibility and never a menace,” Iger stated. “I consider that’s vital as a result of, whenever you take a look at the historical past of human beings, no technology of human beings has ever been capable of stand in the best way of technological advance. It occurs.” Watch D’Amaro and Iger’s interview beneath.
The Walt Disney Firm has named Josh D’Amaro as its new CEO, succeeding Bob Iger after practically 20 years of management. @DavidMuir sits down with D’Amaro and Iger to debate Disney’s future – together with streaming, embracing AI, and the corporate’s legacy. https://t.co/8c4voefB9O pic.twitter.com/VMv8KMw2YQ
— World Information Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) February 4, 2026
D’Amaro and Iger’s feedback about AI come practically two months after Disney struck a licensing take care of OpenAI to take a position $1 billion into the tech firm and produce its array of characters to Sora.
“The speedy development of synthetic intelligence marks an essential second for our business, and thru this collaboration with OpenAI we’ll thoughtfully and responsibly lengthen the attain of our storytelling by means of generative AI, whereas respecting and defending creators and their works,” Iger famous on the time. “Bringing collectively Disney’s iconic tales and characters with OpenAI’s groundbreaking expertise places creativeness and creativity instantly into the arms of Disney followers in methods we’ve by no means seen earlier than, giving them richer and extra private methods to attach with the Disney characters and tales they love.”
“ABC World Information Tonight With David Muir” airs day by day at 6:30 p.m. ET.
