Disney Teams Up With OpenAI: Fans to Create Iconic Character Videos
Disney and OpenAI have joined forces, with Disney investing $1 billion. Soon, fans will be able to craft videos featuring beloved Disney characters using AI platforms like Sora and ChatGPT.
The Walt Disney Company has inked a deal with OpenAI, putting a cool $1 billion into the tech outfit. This partnership will let punters whip up videos starring Disney’s famous characters through platforms such as Sora and ChatGPT. While the agreement covers a huge range of Disney’s animated and live-action icons, it stops short of letting users generate content with the likenesses of real actors.
Disney’s move means fans can get creative with their favourite characters, sharing their own takes and stories. The collaboration also sees OpenAI’s technology woven into Disney’s own operations, with both companies planning to use artificial intelligence to dream up fresh experiences for audiences. The list of characters on offer is massive, from Mickey and Minnie to Marvel and Star Wars legends, plus heroes and villains from Pixar, Encanto, Frozen, and more.
AI Meets Storytelling
Disney’s CEO Bob Iger reckons this is a big step for the entertainment world.
‘Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,’
he says.
‘The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works. Bringing together Disney's iconic stories and characters with OpenAI's groundbreaking technology puts imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans in ways we've never seen before, giving them richer and more personal ways to connect with the Disney characters and stories they love.’
OpenAI’s boss Sam Altman is just as keen, saying,
‘Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling, and we're excited to partner to allow Sora and ChatGPT Images to expand the way people create and experience great content. This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity, and help works reach vast new audiences.’
Guardrails and Control
Disney’s always been quick to protect its intellectual property, even going after big names for copyright breaches. The company’s not letting go of the reins just yet. Only content types given the green light by Disney will be allowed, so don’t expect anything dodgy or off-colour to slip through the official channels. The rollout of Disney’s characters to OpenAI’s platforms is set for 2026.
Even with the new tech, Disney’s main focus seems to be keeping a tight grip on its creative assets. The deal is less about letting creativity run wild and more about making sure Disney stays in control of how its characters are used, especially as AI tools become more common in the industry.
What’s Next for Fans?
For those keen to see which characters will be available, it’s worth keeping an eye on Disney’s upcoming film slate. The partnership promises to give fans new ways to interact with the stories and characters they love, but always within the boundaries set by the House of Mouse. As AI continues to shake up entertainment, Disney’s latest move shows it’s not about to be left behind.