Disney is encountering significant backlash after CEO Bob Iger announced plans to allow AI-generated content on its streaming service, Disney+. During an earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2025, Iger stated that the company is in the process of implementing “the biggest and the most significant changes” since the platform’s inception in 2019. He emphasized the potential of AI to enhance user engagement by enabling subscribers to create and consume user-generated content, primarily in short-form formats.
The response from Disney fans has been overwhelmingly negative, with many expressing concern that the integration of AI in creative fields threatens jobs and the quality of content. Critics argue that this move undermines the artistic integrity of Disney, a company that has long been synonymous with high-quality storytelling. In light of these developments, some Disney+ subscribers are urging a boycott of the service, suggesting alternatives like Dreamworks and Illumination, which have publicly opposed the use of generative AI.
One notable reaction came from Dana Terrace, creator of the Disney animated series The Owl House, who controversially encouraged viewers to pirate her show. This highlights a growing sentiment among creators who feel that the rise of AI poses an existential threat to their work. The music industry has already faced challenges from AI-generated artists, leading to concerns about the authenticity of creative expression.
The backlash against AI in the creative industry is not isolated to Disney. Earlier this year, a Dutch creator introduced an AI “actress” named Tilly Norwood, sparking widespread criticism. Additionally, Coca-Cola faced condemnation for using generative AI to produce a poorly received Christmas advertisement. These incidents signal a broader unease regarding the potential for AI to dilute genuine artistic expression.
A recent global survey conducted by the French streaming service Deezer in collaboration with research firm Ipsos revealed that a staggering 97 percent of respondents reported being unable to distinguish between real music and AI-generated tracks. Furthermore, only 19 percent of participants expressed trust in AI, while 51 percent believed that AI’s involvement in music production could lead to “generic” sounding music.
As the conversation around AI’s role in creative industries intensifies, many are left questioning the future of art and storytelling. The hope that audiences can differentiate between AI-generated content and authentic artistic expression appears increasingly fragile. Disney’s latest venture into AI could mark a pivotal moment, one that may redefine the relationship between technology and creativity in the years to come.
