Disney has acted swiftly on CEO Bob Iger’s commitment to generative AI, announcing a groundbreaking three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI. The multi-faceted pact, valued at $82.7 billion, will integrate Disney’s iconic intellectual property (IP) into the Sora video creation app and ChatGPT’s image generation platform.
Read: Epson CO-W01 Projector Review: Project Success
The deal allows OpenAI users to generate images and videos featuring over 200 beloved Disney characters, covering costumes, props, vehicles, and environments from franchises like Star Wars and Pixar.
The agreement grants OpenAI access to the animated and illustrated versions of characters, including Black Panther, Captain America, Han Solo, and Darth Vader. Crucially, the license excludes voices or “talent likenesses,” meaning prompts cannot generate content featuring specific actors like Scarlett Johansson.
In turn, Disney will utilize this user-generated creativity by streaming “curated selections” of Sora-generated fan videos on Disney+. OpenAI users are expected to gain access to Disney IP starting in early 2026.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised the partnership, stating: “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.”
Beyond licensing its content, Disney is deepening its relationship with OpenAI through significant financial and operational commitments:
See also
- Investment: Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI, with an option to purchase additional equity in the future.
- Customer Status: Disney has committed to becoming an OpenAI customer, utilizing the company’s APIs to build new products, tools, and digital experiences across its businesses.
- This pact brings together two entities previously on opposite sides of copyright debates, with OpenAI having recently completed a corporate restructuring to clear the way for a potential IPO.
The deal generated swift and contrasting reactions from major entertainment unions:
- Writers Guild of America (WGA): The WGA strongly criticized the agreement on Bluesky, arguing it “appears to sanction its theft of our work and cedes the value of what we create to a tech company.” The union pledged to meet with Disney to investigate the terms and ensure member rights are protected from user-generated content.
- SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Union): The actors union took a more measured approach, posting a notice confirming that both Disney and OpenAI assured the union they would meet their “contractual and legal obligations to performers.” The union stated it will monitor the deal closely to ensure compliance with contracts protecting image, voice, and likeness.
