OpenAI has reached a $1 billion (£740m) agreement with Disney to allow users to interact with the studio’s beloved characters in ChatGPT and the AI video tool Sora. This deal marks the first time a major studio has licensed its content to OpenAI, opening up new opportunities for AI-powered storytelling.
Fans will be able to generate images and videos featuring over 200 Disney characters from franchises including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. Characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Luke Skywalker, and Deadpool will be part of the offering, along with favorites from Zootopia, Moana, and Encanto.
Disney clarified that the deal does not include voice or talent likenesses, leaving character audio unspecified. CEO Bob Iger emphasized the studio’s commitment to responsible use of AI:
“Through this collaboration with OpenAI, we will thoughtfully extend the reach of our storytelling.”
The service is expected to roll out in early 2026, allowing fans to create and share AI-generated content using Sora and ChatGPT.
The announcement comes amid rising concerns over AI’s impact on creative industries. Recently, Disney lawyers sent Google a cease-and-desist over alleged copyright infringements, highlighting ongoing intellectual property challenges in tech and media.
Content Safeguards and Ethical Concerns
AI-generated deepfakes of public figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., John F. Kennedy, Queen Elizabeth II, and Stephen Hawking have sparked backlash. OpenAI temporarily paused generating videos of Dr. King after offensive clips surfaced. The incidents underline the importance of robust safeguards in AI content generation.
