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Disney Invests $1 Billion in OpenAI, Licenses 200+ Characters to Sora and ChatGPT

The three-year pact signals Hollywood’s shift from legal fights to controlled licensing of generative AI.

Overview

  • The agreement authorizes short user‑prompted videos and images featuring more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters along with costumes, props, vehicles and environments.
  • Features are slated to begin appearing in early 2026 on Sora and ChatGPT Images, with a curated selection of fan‑made clips to stream on Disney+.
  • The license excludes performers’ likenesses and voices, and Disney’s CEO said videos will be limited to 30 seconds with safeguards to prevent harmful or illegal content.
  • Disney will receive warrants to buy additional OpenAI shares and will be a major enterprise customer, deploying ChatGPT internally and using OpenAI models to build new products and experiences.
  • The partnership follows Disney’s enforcement actions against other AI firms, including a cease‑and‑desist to Google, and it has drawn criticism from unions and talent representatives concerned about creator rights.