Epic Games CEO Refutes Delay Claims in Disney-Fortnite Universe Amid AI, User Content Concerns

Disney x Fortnite Metaverse integration map (Image Credit: Epic Games)

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has denied reports suggesting internal delays in the upcoming Disney-Fortnite universe project.

Responding to recent media coverage, Sweeney took to X (formerly Twitter) to push back, calling one anonymous quote "BS." He emphasized that Disney and Epic's collaborations—such as the Darth Vader integration—have moved at “around 10x the ordinary speed” compared to typical media deals.

His post came shortly after a Wall Street Journal report (via Dexerto) claimed the ambitious Disney-Fortnite metaverse, internally dubbed “Project Bulldog,” had stalled. According to the report, Disney was growing increasingly uneasy over the unpredictable nature of user-generated content and AI integrations.

The $1.5 billion partnership, announced in early 2024, promised a vast virtual world built inside Fortnite featuring themed islands for Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and Avatar.

While development reportedly hit a stable build by early 2025, things began to slow down. A notable flashpoint came in May when Epic introduced an AI-controlled Darth Vader character using a voice model licensed from James Earl Jones’s estate. Despite swift moderation, players quickly found ways to prompt the character to swear—raising red flags within Disney’s legal and branding teams.

Adding to the tension, SAG-AFTRA filed a charge accusing Epic of using AI to replace union voice work without proper negotiation.

Further, as per the same report, tension arose when Epic unveiled its Persona Device in June 2025, enabling creators to make custom AI characters. Disney executives reportedly became cautious, fearing intellectual property disputes—such as ownership over a fan-made Spider-Man dance.

For now, Sweeney's public defense suggests Epic remains committed—and confident. The Disney–Fortnite universe still targets a Fall 2026 launch.