Disney partners with OpenAI on Sora for licensed characters in 2026
AI tools now let users create short videos with famous characters. Disney and OpenAI made a big deal. Disney puts in $1 billion and allows Sora to use characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
This partnership starts in early 2026. Fans can make social videos with these characters. Some videos will show on Disney+. OpenAI and Disney work on safe use to protect creators.
Key Takeaways
- Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI for this deal.
- Over 200 characters become available in Sora for user videos.
- The agreement lasts three years with focus on responsible AI.
- Selected fan videos can stream on Disney+.
OpenAI runs Sora as a short video tool. Users type prompts to make clips. Before this, Sora faced issues with copyright. People made videos with protected characters without permission.
Disney steps in as the first big studio to license content. Bob Iger, Disney CEO, says it extends storytelling safely. Sam Altman from OpenAI calls it a way to let fans create with loved characters.
The deal covers animated characters, masks, and creatures. It includes costumes, props, vehicles, and settings. Users get tools to make personal content.
Safety rules apply. OpenAI adds controls for age and content. Disney wants to protect its brands and artists.
Other studios watch this move. Some worry about deepfakes or lost jobs. Unions push for protections for actors and writers.
OpenAI adds Sora to ChatGPT images too. This lets more people use Disney elements.
Brands see new ways to engage fans. Short user videos can spread online. Disney picks some for its platform.
This changes how studios handle AI. Licensing deals may become common. Companies balance new tech with control.
Creators gain official access. They make fan content without legal risks for these characters.
The partnership shows AI growth in entertainment. Big players team up for controlled innovation.
Disney leads in mixing AI with its stories. Fans get closer to characters through creation.
This deal sets rules for future agreements. It focuses on safety, rights, and quality.
AI video tools advance fast. Partnerships like this shape their use in media.
Olivia AI Smith
Olivia AI Smith is a senior reporter, covering artificial intelligence, machine learning, and ethical tech innovations. She leverages LLMs to craft compelling stories that explore the intersection of technology and society. Olivia covers startups, tech policy-related updates, and all other major tech-centric developments from the United States.
