Disney Readies Metaverse Push as CEO Calls it 'Next Great Storytelling Frontier'

By Andrew Hayward

We soon could see Disney's enviable library of characters, properties, and experiences in the metaverse as the future vision of the internet develops. The mouse house is making big moves in the space, today announcing the creation of a new position to oversee its metaverse plans.

Disney CEO Bob Chapek told employees in an internal email, seen by Decrypt, that the company has promoted Mike White from within to "a new role: Senior Vice President, Next Generation Storytelling and Consumer Experiences." The position will focus on Disney's work toward metaverse experiences. The news was first reported by Reuters.

In the email, Chapek described the company's nearly 100 years of technological innovation and the development of various entertainment properties—and how all of that can come together in the metaverse.

"This is the so-called metaverse, which I believe is the next great storytelling frontier and the perfect place to pursue our strategic pillars of Storytelling Excellence, Innovation, and Audience Focus," Chapek wrote. "Teams across the company are exploring this new canvas, and I have been blown away by what I’ve seen."

Chapek has previously hinted at the firm's ambitions in the space, including last November when he told investors that the company is preparing for "our own" metaverse. The company also recently posted job listings for NFT experts, signaling potential integration with the metaverse ahead.

The metaverse refers to a future, more immersive version of the internet that users experience with 3D avatars. It may be built using blockchain technology, with NFT assets used to represent ownership in avatars, items, and even virtual places, although it could be several years before a functional metaverse truly takes shape.

"While the storytelling that will define our metaverse presence will of course emanate from our creative teams, Mike will establish our overall vision and strategy for the consumer journey through these new story worlds," Chapek added in the email, which further mentioned collaboration across various Disney divisions and potential partnerships.

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