Disney Shuts Down Epic Games Buyout Rumors: 'Not Happening Right Now'

Disney exec Dana Walden says acquisition talks with Epic Games aren't happening now, but promises more launches from their $1.5B partnership.

Ever wonder if Disney might just buy Fortnite maker Epic Games outright? You're not alone, but Disney says that's not on the table right now.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg Live, Disney president and chief creative officer Dana Walden addressed rumors about a potential acquisition. When asked if talks had moved beyond their existing partnership toward a full buyout, she was clear: "Those are not the conversations we're having right now." But she also hinted at big things ahead, noting "a number of launches coming up over the next two years that are going to demonstrate the value of this partnership."

Let's rewind a bit. Back in early 2024, Disney dropped a massive $1.5 billion to acquire an equity stake in Epic Games. At the time, then-CEO Bob Iger called it Disney's biggest entry ever into gaming, promising a "transformational new games and entertainment universe" that would blend Disney's iconic brands with Fortnite. Since then, we've seen collaborations like a Disneyland-exclusive Fortnite skin and officially licensed Star Wars minigames.

So why the buyout buzz? In March 2026, tech reporter Alex Heath claimed some Disney executives were "waiting for that moment" to go all in. Then in April, Bloomberg reported Epic was working on an extraction shooter featuring Disney characters, targeting a November 2026 launch. But now it's October, and we haven't heard a peep about that project. Still, Walden's comments suggest the partnership is far from over.

For now, an acquisition isn't happening, but Disney and Epic are clearly still in bed together. With multiple launches planned over the next two years, there's plenty to look forward to. Whether it's new games, crossovers, or something entirely unexpected, the Disney x Epic saga is far from finished.

What do you think? Would a Disney-owned Epic Games be a dream or a nightmare? Let us know in the comments!