The Walt Disney Company has announced a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI, alongside a licensing agreement that will allow users of OpenAI’s Sora app to create videos featuring more than 200 of its copyrighted characters beginning next year.
Sora, launched in September after being unveiled last year in February, enables users to generate short videos from simple text prompts. Under the new three year licensing deal, users will be able to create content featuring characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars.
Disney CEO Bob Iger described the partnership as a significant moment for the entertainment industry, saying in a statement:
“The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works.”
As part of the deal, Disney will receive warrants for additional OpenAI equity and become a key customer under the agreement. The company also plans to roll out ChatGPT to employees and collaborate with OpenAI on new tools and experiences.
Both companies pledged to deploy AI in ways that safeguard users, uphold creator rights and show “respect” for broader creative industries. They added that OpenAI will maintain “robust controls” to prevent the generation of unlawful or harmful material.
Sora uses AI driven technology to incorporate existing digital information and extend, remix, blend or generate new content from text. Through the partnership, users will gain access to characters such as Mickey Mouse, Ariel the mermaid, Cinderella, Iron Man and Darth Vader, along with costumes, props, vehicles and “iconic environments.” Licensing does not include talent likenesses or voices.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised the collaboration, writing in a statement: “Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling, and we’re excited to partner to allow Sora and ChatGPT Images to expand the way people create and experience great content.”
He added that the agreement demonstrates how AI firms “and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity and help works reach vast new audiences.”
The deal drew praise from Disney veteran Preston Padden, former president of ABC Television Network, who called it “masterful” and “consequential.” He said on social media that CEO Bob Iger effectively “maintained Disney’s control over the Disney characters in the AI world.”
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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