The Walt Disney Company will invest 1 billion dollars (858 million euros) in OpenAI, in addition to closing a three-year content licensing agreement for Sora, the company's short-format AI generative video platform responsible for ChatGPT, as reported by Europa Press.
Thus, based on user input, Sora will be able to generate short social videos using a set of over 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters, including costumes, vehicles, and iconic environments. Additionally, ChatGPT Images can turn user commands into fully generated images in seconds, using the same intellectual property.
Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to start generating videos inspired by the public with Disney's licensed multi-brand characters in early 2026. These characters include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Simba, Mufasa, as well as characters from Encanto, Frozen, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, and Zootopia; as well as animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm characters.
In addition to this agreement, which does not include the image or voices of performers, Disney will become a client of OpenAI, using its APIs to create new products, tools, and experiences, including for Disney+, and implementing ChatGPT for its employees.
The transaction, subject to negotiation of definitive agreements, corporate and board approvals, and customary closing conditions, includes a capital investment of 1 billion dollars in OpenAI by the multinational mouse company, which will also receive warrants to purchase additional capital in the startup.
"The rapid advancement of AI marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI, we will thoughtfully and responsibly expand the scope of our narrative through generative AI, respecting and protecting creators and their works," stated Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company.
On the other hand, Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, believes that this agreement demonstrates "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 a new and broad audience."