At SXSW 2025, Disney’s Josh D'Amaro and Alan Bergman shared their vision for the future of world-building, blending movies, TV, and immersive experiences using cutting-edge technology.
Austin, USA – March 9, 2025:
Disney's vision for the future of world-building took center stage at South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025, with the company's top leaders highlighting their unmatched ability to connect with global audiences through immersive storytelling. On Saturday, Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro and Disney Entertainment Co-Chairman Alan Bergman delivered an inspiring session at the Austin Convention Center, illustrating how the company’s creative collaborations across movies, TV, and theme parks have transformed storytelling.
“For more than a century, Disney has been home to the best storytellers in the world,” said Bergman. He emphasized how Disney continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, seamlessly blending technology and innovation. “The key to all of this is the collaboration between our teams,” he noted, underscoring Disney’s collective effort to provide fans with diverse and engaging experiences.
D'Amaro shared a similar perspective, adding, “Only Disney can bring this caliber of artists together to give fans deeper and richer experiences with the stories they love.” He discussed how Disney’s storytelling transcends the boundaries of film and theme parks, creating immersive experiences that continue to evolve long after the credits roll.
The session also featured surprise appearances from leading creatives, including Bruce Vaughn, president and chief creative officer of Walt Disney Imagineering; Pete Docter, chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios; Kevin Feige, president of Marvel Studios; Jon Favreau, director and producer of The Mandalorian; and actor Robert Downey Jr. The group shared insights into how beloved franchises like Star Wars, The Avengers, and Pixar are brought to life in Disney’s immersive experiences worldwide.
Reflecting on Disney’s legacy, Bergman said, “It’s a powerful legacy, and we are fortunate to be a part of it.” D'Amaro expressed excitement about the future, saying, “We’re thrilled by the endless possibilities ahead as we harness new technology to tell the next generation of Disney stories.” Their session highlighted the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and its ability to create meaningful connections with fans across the globe.