Disney and OpenAI Join Forces for AI-Generated Character Videos
Disney and OpenAI have announced a major partnership, with Disney investing $1 billion and granting access to its iconic characters for AI-generated video creation. Discover how this collaboration could reshape digital storytelling.
The Walt Disney Company has entered into a significant partnership with OpenAI, acquiring a $1 billion stake in the artificial intelligence firm. This arrangement will see Disney’s vast array of well-known characters made available for video generation via platforms such as Sora and ChatGPT, though the likenesses of real actors remain off-limits. The collaboration is set to enable users to craft and share their own creations featuring Disney’s beloved figures, while also integrating OpenAI’s technology more deeply within Disney’s operations.
Among the characters included in this initiative are household names like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Lilo and Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba, Mufasa, Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Thanos, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia, the Mandalorian, Stormtroopers, and Yoda. The roster also extends to personalities from Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, and Zootopia, with further additions expected in due course.
Expanding Storytelling Through Technology
Disney’s chief executive, Bob Iger, commented on the partnership, emphasising the transformative role of technology in entertainment.
‘Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,’
he remarked.
‘The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and 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. Bringing together Disney’s iconic stories and characters with OpenAI’s groundbreaking technology puts imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans in ways we’ve never seen before, giving them richer and more personal ways to connect with the Disney characters and stories they love.’
OpenAI’s chief executive, Sam Altman, echoed these sentiments, stating,
‘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. This agreement shows 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 vast new audiences.’
Balancing Innovation and Control
Historically, Disney has been known for its strict approach to unauthorised use of its intellectual property, including characters from subsidiaries such as Marvel and Lucasfilm. The company has even taken action against major technology firms over alleged copyright infringements. This new partnership with OpenAI appears to reinforce Disney’s focus on maintaining control over its creative assets, rather than simply advancing creative freedom.
Despite the new opportunities, Disney has set clear boundaries for the type of content that can be produced. Only material approved by the corporation will be permitted, ensuring that inappropriate or harmful creations are kept at bay—at least through official channels. The integration of Disney’s intellectual property with OpenAI’s platforms is scheduled to commence in 2026. For those eager to see which characters will be available, keeping an eye on Disney’s upcoming film slate may offer some clues.