Disney is making a significant investment of $1 billion US in OpenAI, allowing the startup to utilize iconic characters from Star Wars, Pixar, and Marvel franchises in its Sora AI video and image generator. This strategic partnership, announced recently, has the potential to revolutionize the way content is produced in Hollywood.
The collaboration marks a crucial milestone in Hollywood’s adoption of generative artificial intelligence, despite ongoing concerns within the industry regarding the impact of AI on creative professions and intellectual property rights. Under the terms of the agreement, Sora and ChatGPT Images are set to begin creating fan-requested videos featuring licensed Disney characters by early 2026.
OpenAI’s models will be leveraged by the companies to develop innovative products, tools, and enhanced customer experiences, particularly for Disney+ subscribers. This partnership follows a period where a leading talent agency in Hollywood, the Creative Artists Agency, expressed skepticism about the same technology that Disney is now embracing.
The deal will see a selection of user-generated videos available for streaming on the Disney+ platform, utilizing ChatGPT for internal employee use as well. Additionally, the collaboration encompasses image generation utilizing ChatGPT, drawing inspiration from Disney’s vast intellectual property portfolio.
