Michaela
The Walt Disney Company has reached an agreement with OpenAI to become the first major content licensing partner for its generative video platform, Sora, alongside a $1 billion equity investment in the AI firm.
Key Points
- Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI and becomes its first major content licensing partner for Sora.
- Sora allows AI-generated short videos and ChatGPT Images enables user-prompted AI images with over 200 iconic characters.
- Disney will integrate OpenAI’s technology internally and for product development while both companies emphasize responsible AI use.
Under the terms of the agreement, Disney and OpenAI have entered into a three-year licensing arrangement that allows Sora to generate short, user-prompted social videos for fans to view and share. The platform will have licensed access to more than 200 animated, masked, and creature characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, along with related costumes, props, vehicles, and recognizable environments for video creation.
Additionally, ChatGPT Images will also enable users to generate fully rendered images from short text prompts using the same licensed intellectual property. The agreement explicitly excludes the use of talent likenesses and voices.
Under the partnership, Disney will also become a significant OpenAI customer, leveraging the company’s APIs to develop new products, tools, and digital experiences, including enhancements for Disney+. The agreement also includes the rollout of ChatGPT for internal use across Disney’s workforce. In addition to its investment, Disney will receive warrants allowing it to acquire additional equity in OpenAI.
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Disney and OpenAI also emphasized a mutual commitment to the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence, citing the importance of safeguarding users and respecting creators’ rights. Both companies stated that they aim to “advance human-centered AI that respects the creative industries and expands what is possible for storytelling.”
The deal remains contingent on the finalization of definitive agreements, securing necessary corporate and board approvals, and meeting standard closing conditions.
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“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,” CEO of OpenAI, Sam Altman, stated. “This agreement shows how AI companies 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,” he added.
Sora users will be able to create videos featuring Disney characters including Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana, Cinderella, Beast, Ariel, Lilo, Stitch, and characters from Toy Story, Up, and Zootopia, as well as iconic Marvel and Lucasfilm figures such as Darth Vader, Captain America, Luke Skywalker, Iron Man, and more.
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MICHAELA
Michaela is a news writer focused on cryptocurrency and blockchain topics. She prioritizes rigorous research and accuracy to uncover interesting angles and ensure engaging reporting. A lifelong book lover, she applies her passion for reading to deeply explore the constantly evolving crypto world.
