Epic Games CEO Confirms Steady Progress on Disney-Fortnite Universe Amid Delay Claims

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has strongly denied reports claiming that the collaboration with Disney on a massive Fortnite expansion, internally called "Project Bulldog," is facing delays due to slow approval processes at Disney. Despite a Wall Street Journal report citing anonymous sources about frustrations within Epic and a delayed launch until fall 2026, Sweeney labeled these claims as "BS," emphasizing that the collaboration pace, including projects like the Darth Vader character, is about ten times faster than typical media deals. The partnership, backed by Disney's $1.5 billion investment, aims to create an immersive Fortnite universe featuring Disney's major franchises such as Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and Avatar. However, some reports acknowledge challenges including AI mishaps, user-generated content risks, and intellectual property concerns, which have caused Disney executives to be cautious, particularly after incidents with an AI-powered Darth Vader character and questions over fan-created content ownership. Despite these issues, Sweeney’s public statements suggest confidence and commitment to the project, which still targets a fall 2026 launch. The collaboration continues to be significant as it could redefine interactive entertainment by combining Disney's IPs with Fortnite's platform.