Walt Disney Explores Emerging Tech with New Crypto-Focused Role
Recent developments from Walt Disney Company indicate its increasing interest in cryptocurrency. The entertainment giant is actively recruiting a corporate attorney specializing in Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), the Metaverse, and other emerging technologies. This marks another step in Disney’s efforts to integrate advanced digital solutions into its operations.
Disney Searches for Legal Expertise in NFT Innovations
A job listing on Disney’s career website, also posted on LinkedIn, outlines a position for a Principal Counsel specializing in Corporate Transactions, Emerging Technologies, and NFTs. The successful candidate will oversee NFT-related transactions, blockchain integration, Metaverse development, and decentralized finance (DeFi) initiatives.
Responsibilities include providing legal guidance throughout the NFT product lifecycle, ensuring compliance with U.S. and international laws, and managing due diligence for blockchain and third-party marketplace collaborations. The attorney will also support cross-functional teams and contribute to advancing Disney’s adoption of emerging technologies.
Qualifications for Disney’s Crypto-Focused Legal Role
Disney emphasizes the importance of prior experience in NFTs, cryptocurrencies, and Web3 technologies. Prospective candidates should be prepared for the fast-paced and dynamic nature of new technology projects. The role involves collaboration with Disney’s legal teams and departments such as Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, and Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products.
Disney’s Foray into Web3 and Blockchain
The announcement aligns with Disney’s ongoing efforts to embrace Web3 technologies. In November 2021, CEO Bob Chapek hinted at the company’s interest in blending physical and digital assets during a fourth-quarter earnings call. Shortly after, Disney filed a patent for a virtual-world simulator, hinting at a Metaverse-based theme park experience.
Chapek’s “next-gen storytelling” vision combines data from Disney+ and theme park visits to create immersive consumer experiences. While the virtual-world simulator patent has not yet been implemented, the attorney job listing suggests that Disney is progressing toward realizing its Metaverse ambitions.
Disney has previously experimented with NFTs, launching limited collections during Disney+ Day and collaborating with the VeVe mobile app to release the “Disney Golden Moment” series, featuring iconic characters and franchises. Former CEO Robert Iger highlighted the potential of Disney’s intellectual property for NFT opportunities, further emphasizing the company’s commitment to exploring emerging technologies.
Disney Accelerator Program and Future Web3 Integration
In 2022, Disney expanded its exploration of Augmented Reality, NFTs, and Artificial Intelligence through its Disney Accelerator Program. The initiative supported six growth-stage companies, including Polygon, a prominent Layer 2 scaling platform, and Web3 projects such as FlickPlay and Lockerverse. FlickPlay allows users to discover NFTs using AR, while Lockerverse connects creators and brands through storytelling.
Despite skepticism surrounding NFTs and the Metaverse due to usability and speculative concerns, Disney’s vast library of films and TV shows gives it a unique advantage. The recent job listing signals Disney’s serious commitment to adopting Web3 technologies and enhancing its offerings for the digital age.
