IBL News | New York
The Walt Disney Company agreed to license for three years to OpenAI’s video generator Sora its 200 animated, masked, and creature characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, including costumes, props, vehicles, and environments, starting in early 2026.
ChatGPT and Sora’s users will be able to prompt and generate short images and videos, but not voice, using these iconic characters.
Among them, there are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba, Mufasa, as well as characters from the worlds of Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, Zootopia, plus iconic animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm characters like Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Thanos, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia, the Mandalorian, Stormtroopers, Yoda, etc.
Alongside the licensing agreement, Disney will become a major customer of OpenAI, using its API to build new products, tools, and experiences, and deploying ChatGPT for its employees.
As part of the agreement, Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional equity.
However, OpenAI said, “The transaction is subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements, required corporate and board approvals, and customary closing conditions.”
Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company, said, “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.”
“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,” said Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI.
Under the license, curated selections of Sora-generated videos will be on display on Disney+,
Among the characters fans will be able to use in their creations are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba, Mufasa, as well as characters from the worlds of Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, Zootopia, and many more; plus iconic animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm characters like Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Thanos, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia, the Mandalorian, Stormtroopers, Yoda and more.
