Disney Shoots Down Epic Games Acquisition Rumors: 'Not Happening Right Now'

Disney has addressed speculation that it might acquire Fortnite developer Epic Games.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg Live, Disney president and chief creative officer Dana Walden discussed the company's ties with Epic. When asked whether there had been discussions about turning their existing partnership into a full acquisition, she indicated that such a strategy isn't currently on the table.

"Well, I think it was pretty clear that we had very serious conversations about an investment and an equity stake," Walden said. "Those are not the conversations we're having right now, but we have a great partnership and a number of launches coming up over the next two years that are going to demonstrate the value of this partnership."

The partnership she referred to was cemented when Disney announced a $1.5 billion investment in Epic in early 2024. It was a major move that promised future collaborations across Fortnite and beyond.

"Our exciting new relationship with Epic Games will bring together Disney's beloved brands and franchises with the hugely popular Fortnite in a transformational new games and entertainment universe," then-CEO Bob Iger said at the time. "This marks Disney's biggest entry ever into the world of games and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion. We can't wait for fans to experience the Disney stories and worlds they love in groundbreaking new ways."

The impact of that deal is still being felt, but some speculated it could lead to more than just a partnership. In March 2026, tech reporter Alex Heath suggested that some Disney executives were "waiting for that moment" to pursue an acquisition. Then, in April, Bloomberg reported that Epic was developing an extraction shooter featuring Disney characters, with plans to launch in November 2026.

As October begins, there's no official word on that unannounced project, but that doesn't mean the Disney-Epic collaboration is going away. While an acquisition isn't in the cards, Walden's mention of "a number of launches" in the coming years suggests there's plenty more to come.

We'll have to wait and see how these two entertainment giants continue to work together. In the meantime, you can check out other ways Disney and Epic have strengthened their relationship, such as a Disneyland-exclusive Fortnite skin and officially licensed Star Wars minigames.