Disney CEO Says Disney+ Is Evolving Into Much More Than a Streaming Service: 'We're Just Playing a Different Game'

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The Walt Disney Company plans to evolve Disney+ from a video platform into an integrated fan ecosystem combining games, merchandise, and interactive experiences by spring 2027, as Chief Executive Officer Josh D'Amaro declared that the entertainment giant is "just playing a different game" compared to streaming rivals.

Speaking during Disney's fiscal third-quarter 2026 earnings call, D'Amaro outlined a vision to position Disney+ as the digital centerpiece of fan engagement, leveraging first-party data and broad franchise IP.

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"Beyond our films and series, Disney+ will continue to evolve, bringing together games, merchandise, and other experiences while offering increased personalization, exclusivity, and benefits for subscribers," D'Amaro said. "We expect to introduce elements of this expanded ecosystem beginning in spring of 2027."

He emphasized that controlling this direct-to-consumer relationship creates long-term value. "As we look to make Disney+… the digital centerpiece of our relationships with fans, we're just playing a different game," D'Amaro noted. "It's an opportunity that's unique to us."

This digital expansion follows solid fiscal third quarter 2026 financial results, where adjusted earnings per share reached $2.06—beating Wall Street expectations of $1.86.