Disney and Adobe Sign Multiyear Deal on AI Tools

Adobe will serve as the official AI innovation partner for The Walt Disney Company under a newly announced multiyear agreement. The deal grants Disney early access to Adobe's latest artificial intelligence advancements, creative software, and media technologies.

The alliance builds on a decades-long relationship between the two firms. As part of the contract, Adobe will give Disney access to its core products, including Adobe Firefly for generative AI, Adobe Firefly Foundry for proprietary models, Adobe Premiere for video editing, and Adobe Photoshop for digital imaging. Adobe will also allocate dedicated engineering and research resources to streamline Disney's production pipeline.

A central focus of the partnership is the development of custom generative AI models. Disney will work directly with Adobe to create models tailored to its specific properties. These models are designed to be human-centered and artist-led, trained on unique world knowledge such as character attributes, environments, and visual styles. The goal is to generate commercially safe, production-ready outputs while accelerating workflow.

Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development is already using Adobe Firefly Foundry in its theme park development pipeline. The team employs a sketch-to-image model that transforms hand-drawn concepts into fully rendered 2D concept art. A custom image model is also being used to generate creative assets that are on-brand and franchise-accurate, helping to streamline the design process for new attractions.

The collaboration extends to Walt Disney Studios' StudioLAB and ESPN Edge. StudioLAB functions as a collaborative innovation hub where creative and technical talent prototype ideas. Adobe joins the program as a StudioLAB Innovation Partner to help expand internal creative workflows. At ESPN, the partnership focuses on the ESPN Edge Innovation Center, which tests emerging technologies that impact sports storytelling. The companies aim to identify ways for AI to enhance fan engagement and bring ESPN's extensive archive to life for modern audiences.

Becca Vodnoy, SVP of corporate alliances for Disney, stated that combining Disney's storytellers with Adobe's technology gives creative teams new ways to explore ideas. She said the goal is to bring Disney stories and experiences to life for guests and fans in new ways. Hannah Elsakr, VP of GenAI New Business Venture at Adobe, described the relationship as entering its next chapter. She noted that the new agreement marks a shift toward building a creative foundation that deploys AI as an accelerant for artistic vision.

The alliance also includes broader marketing and engagement strategies. Adobe will increase its presence across Disney's media platforms to connect with audiences in entertainment and sports sectors. The two companies plan to amplify innovation stories through global marketing activations and industry events. These initiatives will involve Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Cruise Line, ESPN Edge, and StudioLAB.

The announcement coincided with Adobe MAX 2026, the company's annual creativity conference. The event is taking place in Miami from November 10 to 12, providing a stage for the two companies to showcase their joint initiatives.