Fortnite has long been the undisputed champion of gaming crossovers. Since 2017, Epic Games has brought in characters from nearly every major franchise, but Disney has always been the obvious favorite. Marvel heroes, Star Wars icons, Jack Skellington, and Pirates of the Caribbean all share space on the island. That relationship became official when Disney announced a $1.5 billion investment in Epic Games, and at D23 the first details of the "Disney Universe" finally arrived. The opening wave included three classic Disney villains and three beloved Pixar heroes, giving players a clear picture of how broad this collaboration would become.
Why Disney Keeps Showing Up in Fortnite
Disney is not exactly a stranger to the Fortnite island. Players have already seen Marvel heroes battle it out, Star Wars lightsabers slash through matches, and even Jack Skellington wander around during Halloween events. That is not an accident. Epic Games clearly loves working with Disney, and the feeling appears to be mutual. The $1.5 billion Disney investment made the partnership feel less like a licensing deal and more like a long-term strategy.
The D23 presentation in 2024 was the first real look at what that strategy might become. More than one million Fortnite fans waited about half an hour for the stream to begin, with British players perhaps feeling the sting of a 5 a.m. alarm. Once the presentation started, Epic kept the fine details slim, but the focus was obvious: bring Disney and Pixar characters into Fortnite in a way that feels like a living, playable theme park.
A Disney Universe Built for the Island
The first characters announced for this expanded Disney Universe were not random guest stars. They represented two very different sides of Disney animation. On one side were three classic animated villains, and on the other side were three heroes from a modern Pixar favorite.
Here is the opening lineup:
| Character | Origin | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Captain Hook | Peter Pan | Classic Disney Villain |
| Maleficent | Sleeping Beauty | Classic Disney Villain |
| Cruella de Vil | 101 Dalmatians | Classic Disney Villain |
| Mr. Incredible | The Incredibles | Pixar Hero |
| Elastigirl | The Incredibles | Pixar Hero |
| Frozone | The Incredibles | Pixar Hero |
Classic Villains With a Rugged Twist
Rather than copy their usual animated looks, Captain Hook, Maleficent, and Cruella de Vil received new designs for Fortnite. The makeovers give each villain a more realistic and rugged edge. Captain Hook looks more like a battle-worn pirate than a cartoon baddie. Maleficent carries a darker fantasy presence. Cruella de Vil stays stylish, but her look suggests she traded the fashion runway for the island's chaos.
It is a smart choice. Why should a villain entering Fortnite look like they just walked out of a musical? The island has a way of roughening everyone up. By giving the classic villains a sharper, grittier appearance, Epic makes them feel like they belong in a battle royale rather than a storybook.
The Incredibles Arrive Unchanged
Pixar's first Fortnite representatives were Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone. Unlike the villains, they were not redesigned. They look exactly like their movie counterparts. That decision makes sense. Pixar characters are already built with a stylized, three-dimensional look that fits Fortnite's art direction better than the flatter classic Disney villain designs.
Does that mean Pixar skins will always be more faithful to their source material? It certainly seems likely. Players get to drop into matches as the superfamily, complete with all the personality they remember from the films. Frozone, in particular, feels like a perfect Fortnite addition. He has the look, the voice, and the attitude to become an instant fan favorite.
What This Means for Fortnite in 2026
Looking at Fortnite in 2026, the Disney Universe remains one of the biggest signals of where the game is heading. The initial reveal was light on exact release dates and modes, but it planted a very clear flag: Disney is not just another licensing partner. With a massive investment behind it, the collaboration is positioned to reshape parts of the game rather than simply add a few skins.
Could an entire Disney-themed island or experience be next? Given how Epic has handled Lego Fortnite, Rocket Racing, and Fortnite Festival as separate modes, it would not be surprising. The first characters may be just the tip of the iceberg. Players can expect more classic animated heroes, more Pixar favorites, and perhaps deeper story-driven content as the Disney Universe continues to expand.
For now, the arrival of Maleficent, Cruella de Vil, Captain Hook, Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone gives Fortnite fans a taste of two very different Disney worlds. One is darker and reimagined; the other is bright and faithful. That variety may be exactly what the Disney Universe needs. After all, half the fun of Fortnite is watching characters from completely different worlds share the same battle bus.
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