Disney to invest $1B US in OpenAI, license Marvel, Star Wars characters for Sora tool
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Disney is investing US$1 billion in OpenAI and will let the startup use characters from Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel franchises in its Sora AI video and image generator, a significant deal that could reshape the way Hollywood creates content.
Despite industry concerns over the impact of AI on creative jobs and intellectual property rights, the partnership announced Thursday marks an important step in the adoption of generative artificial intelligence in Hollywood.
As part of the agreement, Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin creating fan-requested videos using licensed Disney characters as early as 2026.
Companies will use OpenAI’s models to create new products, devices, and customer experiences, including for Disney+ customers.
The partnership comes just months after Hollywood’s leading talent agency sharply criticized the same technology Disney is now adopting.
The Creative Artists Agency, which represents thousands of actors, directors and musical artists, said in October that OpenAI was putting artists at “significant risk” through Sora, questioning whether the AI ​​company believes creative professionals “deserve compensation and credit for the work they do.”
Through the deal with OpenAI, a selection of videos created by users will be available for streaming on the Disney+ platform. The companies said it will also deploy ChatGPT for its employees.
The collaboration will also cover image creation on ChatGPT, drawing from the same Disney intellectual property.
