Disney agreed to pay $60 million to 66 employees from an AI startup that filed for bankruptcy, weeks after tech layoffs

What happened: Disney plans to pay $60 million per year to hire 66 employees from Character.AI, an AI chatbot startup that filed for bankruptcy. The move came two weeks after Disney laid off several hundred workers, including tech staff. Key numbers: $60 million per year for 66 workers; $30 million retention pool; $180 million expected over three years; $20 Why it matters: The hires support Disney's AI strategy under CEO Josh D'Amaro, who is investing in tech platforms. An entertainment lawyer said the pay figures are not unusual because Character.AI's employees are its biggest asset.

Disney plans to pay $60 million per year to hire 66 employees from Character.AI, an AI chatbot startup that filed for bankruptcy. The move came two weeks after Disney laid off several hundred workers, including tech staff.

The hires support Disney's AI strategy under CEO Josh D'Amaro, who is investing in tech platforms. An entertainment lawyer said the pay figures are not unusual because Character.AI's employees are its biggest asset.