Hajra Naz
The Walt Disney Company announced on Thursday a three-year partnership with OpenAI, allowing its iconic characters to be used in OpenAI’s Sora AI video generator. Alongside the collaboration, Disney is also making a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI.
Launched in September, Sora enables users to create short videos using simple text prompts. Under this new agreement, users can now access over 200 characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, including costumes, props, vehicles, and more.
Iconic Characters Now Available
The expanded library includes beloved faces such as
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Disney classics: Mickey Mouse, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba
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Pixar favorites: Encanto, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters, Inc., Toy Story, Up, Zootopia
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Marvel and Lucasfilm: Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Stormtroopers
Users can also leverage these characters within ChatGPT Images, the feature that creates visuals from text prompts. Disney clarified that the agreement does not include any talent likenesses or voices.
Read More: Disney Plus could soon let users generate AI-powered videos, says Bob Iger
Statements from Disney and OpenAI
Disney CEO Bob Iger said:
“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.”
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman added:
“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. 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.”
Disney Becomes a Major OpenAI Customer
As part of the partnership, Disney will use OpenAI’s APIs to build new products, tools, and experiences, including offerings for Disney+. The move positions Disney as a key customer of OpenAI, beyond just licensing its characters.
Read More: Midjourney Launches V1, Its First AI Video Generation Model
Disney’s AI Strategy and IP Protection
Disney’s agreement with OpenAI comes despite the company actively defending its intellectual property in AI contexts. Recently, Disney sued Midjourney for allegedly violating its IP and sent a cease-and-desist to Character.AI, asking the chatbot platform to remove Disney characters from its AI companions.
The OpenAI deal suggests that Disney is selectively embracing AI platforms when partnerships allow for responsible usage, creative control, and IP protection.
