Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI, licenses Mickey Mouse to Sora AI platform

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OpenAI and Disney have partnered in a deal where OpenAI will be able to use over 200 beloved Disney characters – like Mickey Mouse, characters from “Frozen,” and Yoda – within its new Sora video-generating tool. As part of the agreement, Disney is also investing $1 billion in OpenAI, the San Francisco-based AI company.

As a film buff, I’m really excited about this news! Disney is teaming up with a leading AI company for the next three years, and it’s going to change how we interact with their characters. Basically, next year, we’ll be able to use AI – specifically, a platform called Sora – to create our own short videos featuring Disney favorites. And with ChatGPT Images, we can generate character artwork almost instantly! Disney even plans to showcase some of these AI-created videos on Disney+. The cool thing is, they’re making sure this doesn’t involve replicating the likeness or voices of the actors, so it’s all about the characters themselves.

Disney CEO Bob Iger announced a partnership with OpenAI, stating that they will carefully and responsibly explore using artificial intelligence to enhance their storytelling, all while ensuring the rights and work of creators are protected.

Artificial intelligence has sparked debate in Hollywood, with actors and writers worried about AI companies using their work or image without consent or fair payment. This led to a strike in 2023, where they sought stronger protections in their contracts with studios. A key issue is determining how much creators should be paid when their work is used to teach AI systems.

Disney has clashed with several AI companies recently. They sent a legal notice to Character.AI, claiming its chatbots were falsely portraying Disney characters and using their histories in responses. Disney and Universal Pictures also sued Midjourney, arguing its AI image generator violated copyright by creating images of characters from franchises like “Star Wars” and “Despicable Me.” Warner Bros. later joined that legal action.

So, Disney and Google are having a bit of a legal dust-up, and it’s all about AI. I’m hearing Disney sent Google a strongly worded letter, claiming Google’s AI tools are using their characters without permission – basically, a copyright issue. It sounds like Disney is really protective of their intellectual property, and they’re not happy with how it’s being used in these new AI applications.

Hollywood Inc.

OpenAI’s Sora 2 is causing significant concern in Hollywood, with studios, agencies, and unions expressing strong opposition to the technology’s development.

Entertainment companies like Lionsgate and AMC Networks are working with artificial intelligence firms to streamline processes in areas like marketing, early stages of production, and creating visual effects. Many artists and creators are also finding AI tools helpful, particularly for experimenting with new ideas when working with limited funds.

Many in Hollywood have questioned how AI companies are using characters and the images of deceased celebrities in their technology. When OpenAI released the updated version of its video generator, Sora, in September, talent agencies, the Motion Picture Association, and the estates of prominent figures voiced concerns about the unauthorized use of likenesses – both of characters and real people.

OpenAI stated they are improving controls for copyright owners and developing a system to pay them for videos created by their technology. They currently have measures in place to prevent the creation of images featuring famous characters, and a team reviews content to ensure it follows their updated rules. Copyright owners can also request that specific content be removed.

Hollywood Inc.

Washed Out is the first well-known musician to create a music video using Sora, OpenAI’s new technology that turns text into video.

As a huge movie fan, I think OpenAI partnering with Disney is a really smart move. It instantly gives them more credibility, and think about the possibilities! They’re getting access to so many iconic characters – all the Disney princesses like Cinderella and Ariel, plus favorites from Pixar like “Monsters, Inc.” and “Toy Story.” And it doesn’t stop there – Marvel and Star Wars characters like Black Panther and stormtroopers are now in the mix too. It’s a dream come true for anyone who loves movies and technology!

Disney is partnering with OpenAI and will use its technology to create new features and experiences for services like Disney+. Disney employees are already using OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and also has the option to buy even more ownership in the company in the future.

Hollywood Inc.

YouTube creators are worried that Google is using their videos to train its new AI video generator, Veo, without giving them a way to prevent it. This is especially concerning for creators who rely on YouTube for income, as they fear it could impact their future earnings.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced a partnership with Disney, praising them as the best in the world at storytelling. He explained that this collaboration will allow users to create and enjoy content in new ways using tools like Sora and ChatGPT Images. Altman emphasized that the agreement demonstrates how AI companies and creative businesses can collaborate responsibly, fostering innovation while respecting and expanding the reach of creative work.

According to a statement on their website, OpenAI says the deal still needs final approval from company leaders and boards, and the specific details are still being worked out.

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2025-12-11 19:31