Disney will let Sora users make videos with its characters as it invests $1 billion in OpenAI

Disney has announced plans to invest $1 billion in OpenAI and struck a licensing agreement with the OpenAI leader that will let people create short user-generated videos that feature the company's characters.

The deal makes Disney the first major content licensing partner for Sora, with more than 200 characters from the Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars universes. And it won't be minor ones, either. Among the characters fans will be able to use in their creations are Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Thanos, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia, and Yoda.

Characters from the worlds of Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, and Zootopia will also be included. Voices of those characters will not be included as part of the deal.

“Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company in a statement. “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.”

A selection of those Sora-made videos will be made available on Disney+ starting next year.

At the same time, Disney has issued a cease and desist order to Google to prohibit that company's Gemini AI service from using Disney IP on its short-form video tool.

“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," said OpenAI co-founder and CEO Sam Altman.