• Disney invests USD 1B in OpenAI and strikes a licensing deal, becoming the first major content licensing partner for AI-generated videos.
• Sora can use over 200 Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters, but talent voices and likenesses are excluded.
• Both companies commit to responsible AI use, aiming to expand storytelling possibilities while protecting creators and user safety.

Disney

Walt Disney Co., a multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate, has agreed to make a USD 1 billion equity investment in OpenAI. The media giant will receive warrants to purchase additional equity. 

“Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company. 

This marks the media conglomerate as the first major content licensing partner on OpenAI’s Sora. This means licensing its iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Moana and many more.

AI in Media

As part of this three-year licensing agreement, Sora will be able to generate short user promoted videos drawing on more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters. Additionally, under the license, consumers will be able to watch curated selections of Sora-generated videos on Disney+. The deal, however, doesn’t include any talent likeness or voices. So, a video could show Elsa from Frozen singing in AI-generated scenes, but without Idina Menzel’s voice.

Together, they claim to be committed to the responsible use of AI that protects user safety and creator rights. They aim to advance human-centered AI that respects the creative industries and expand the possibilities of storytelling. 

As a part of the deal, the media giant will become a major customer of OpenAI, using its tools to build new products, tools, and experiences, including for Disney+, and deploying ChatGPT for its employees.