TLDR
- Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI in a three-year partnership that lets the AI company use over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises in its Sora video generator.
- Fans will be able to create and share AI-generated videos featuring characters like Mickey Mouse, Luke Skywalker, and Marvel heroes starting in early 2026 through Sora and ChatGPT Images.
- Select user-generated Sora videos will be available for streaming on Disney+, and Disney will deploy ChatGPT for its employees.
- This marks Disney as OpenAI’s first major content licensing partner for Sora, despite Hollywood’s previous concerns about AI’s impact on creative jobs and intellectual property rights.
- The partnership comes months after Creative Artists Agency criticized Sora in October, questioning whether OpenAI believed creative professionals deserved compensation and credit for their work.
Disney is putting $1 billion into OpenAI. The three-year deal makes the entertainment giant the first major content licensing partner for Sora, OpenAI’s AI video generation tool.
The partnership announced Thursday lets OpenAI use more than 200 Disney characters. These include Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Luke Skywalker, and Marvel heroes. Fans will be able to create their own videos featuring these characters.
The service launches in early 2026. Users will access it through Sora and ChatGPT Images. They can generate videos based on text prompts using licensed Disney intellectual property.
Some of these user-made videos will appear on Disney+. The companies haven’t specified how they’ll select which videos make it to the streaming platform.
Disney will also roll out ChatGPT across its workforce. The company plans to use OpenAI’s models to build new products and tools. This includes customer experiences for Disney+ subscribers.
Hollywood’s Mixed Feelings About AI
The deal comes at a tense time for Hollywood and artificial intelligence. Creative Artists Agency, which represents thousands of actors and directors, blasted Sora just two months ago. In October, the agency said OpenAI was exposing artists to risk through Sora.
CAA questioned whether OpenAI believed creative professionals deserved compensation and credit for their work. The agency’s criticism reflected broader industry concerns about AI’s impact on creative jobs.
Disney is now embracing the same technology that drew sharp criticism. The partnership represents a shift in how major studios are approaching AI tools.
Protecting Creators While Moving Forward
Both companies say they’re committed to responsible AI use. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly.
Disney CEO Robert Iger stated the deal will extend Disney’s storytelling through generative AI. He emphasized the partnership would respect and protect creators and their works.
The licensing deal covers both video generation through Sora and image generation on ChatGPT. All content will draw from Disney’s intellectual property library. This includes properties from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
AI video generators have impressed viewers with their ability to create realistic clips from simple text descriptions. However, a flood of AI-generated content on social media has raised concerns. Issues include misinformation, deepfakes, and copyright questions.
The deal positions Disney to benefit financially from AI-generated content using its characters. It also gives the company some control over how its intellectual property appears in AI-created videos. OpenAI gains access to some of the world’s most recognizable characters for its Sora platform.
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