Walt Disney and OpenAI announced a three-year licensing deal on Thursday allowing fans to create short AI-generated videos featuring Disney characters, reports AFP.
The partnership marks the first time a major entertainment company has embraced generative AI at this scale, licensing characters from Mickey Mouse to Marvel superheroes and Star Wars icons such as Darth Vader. The move represents a major shift for an industry that has largely been suing AI companies for copyright violations.
Under the agreement, fans can produce and share content featuring more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars through OpenAI’s Sora video platform and ChatGPT. Sora, launched in September, is a TikTok-style social network dedicated solely to AI-generated videos.
Disney CEO Robert Iger said the collaboration would “thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling.” Characters available for fan creations include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Elsa, Iron Man, Captain America, Darth Vader, and Yoda. Talent likenesses and actor voices are excluded.
Iger emphasized that the deal respects creators, noting licensing fees are included. Videos are limited to 30 seconds, and OpenAI’s technology will also support Disney+ products and internal tools for staff.
The partnership includes a $1 billion equity investment by Disney in OpenAI, with additional warrants to purchase shares. Disney shares rose more than 2% following the announcement.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the deal a model for responsible collaboration between AI companies and creative leaders. Both Disney and OpenAI highlighted safeguards to ensure age-appropriate content, intellectual property protection, and responsible AI use.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
