Disney and OpenAI announced a three-year licensing deal that opens the door for fans to create short AI videos featuring iconic Disney characters. The partnership marks a major shift in the entertainment sector, which has largely fought AI companies over copyright and training data.
The deal lets users generate and share 30-second videos with more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. These creations will run on OpenAI’s Sora platform and ChatGPT. Sora functions like a TikTok-style network built only for AI-generated clips.
Disney made the move while continuing legal action against other tech giants. It sent Google a cease-and-desist notice this week, accusing it of using Disney content without permission to train AI systems.
Under the agreement, Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI and receive warrants for future shares. Disney’s stock rose over 2% after the announcement. CEO Robert Iger said the collaboration expands Disney storytelling while respecting creators. He noted that likenesses and voices of actors remain off-limits.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the deal shows how AI firms and creative leaders can work together responsibly. Both companies stressed strict safeguards to block harmful or illegal content.
The Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA said they will monitor the rollout closely.
