Disney reaches agreement with OpenAI, enabling Sora to create AI-generated videos starring its characters

Disney Forms Strategic Partnership with OpenAI

The Walt Disney Company has revealed a new three-year collaboration with OpenAI, which will integrate Disney’s beloved characters into OpenAI’s Sora AI video creation tool. As part of this partnership, Disney is also investing $1 billion in OpenAI.

Expanding Creative Possibilities with Sora

Sora, introduced in September, enables users to generate short videos simply by entering prompts. Thanks to this agreement, creators will now have access to over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, along with a variety of costumes, props, vehicles, and more.

Iconic Characters Now Available

The roster includes well-known figures such as Mickey Mouse, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Baymax, and Simba, as well as characters from films like Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, Up, and Zootopia. Additionally, users can incorporate animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm favorites, including Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Stormtroopers, and others.

Integration with ChatGPT Images

These characters will also be accessible through ChatGPT Images, a feature that lets users generate visuals from text prompts within ChatGPT.

Disney clarified that the deal does not cover the use of actors’ likenesses or voices.

“The rapid progress of artificial intelligence represents a pivotal time for our industry. Through this partnership with OpenAI, we aim to thoughtfully and responsibly broaden our storytelling capabilities using generative AI, while upholding the rights of creators,” stated Disney CEO Bob Iger.

Disney to Leverage OpenAI Technology

Alongside this partnership, Disney will become a significant OpenAI client, utilizing its APIs to develop innovative products, tools, and experiences, including enhancements for Disney+.

“Disney sets the global benchmark for storytelling, and we’re thrilled to collaborate so that Sora and ChatGPT Images can transform how people create and enjoy exceptional content,” said Sam Altman, OpenAI’s co-founder and CEO. “This partnership demonstrates how AI innovators and creative leaders can join forces to drive responsible innovation, honor creativity, and help stories reach wider audiences.”

Disney’s Approach to AI and Intellectual Property

It’s important to note that Disney has previously taken legal action against the generative AI platform Midjourney for alleged infringement of its intellectual property. The company also issued a cease-and-desist notice to Character.AI, requesting the removal of Disney characters from its AI companion offerings.

This new agreement with OpenAI suggests that Disney remains open to working with AI platforms under carefully managed terms.