OpenAI bags Disney characters for Sora short video app

OpenAI has signed its first major licensing deal to bring well-known characters to life on its Sora video generation tool.

The company said the agreement with Walt Disney was part of a push to ensure the rights of creators in the generative artificial intelligence (AI) space amid growing concerns over copyright, fakes and misinformation.

It forms part of a $1bn Disney investment in OpenAI, that will see the entertainment firm roll out ChatGPT to its staff and grow its AI capabilities.

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The initial three-year licensing deal will allow Sora users to generate and share videos based on more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters.

These include Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Luke Skywalker.

Sora allows people to quickly create realistic clips based merely on text prompts.

Disney and OpenAI said they were committed to responsible use of AI amid the backlash from critics who have pointed to widespread misuse of generative AI in the social media space - a practice known as AI slop.

Some have depicted fake messages from celebrities and even used the dead.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said: "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.

His counterpart at Disney, Bob Iger, added that the partnership would "extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works".

As part of the deal, some user-generated Sora videos will be made available on the Disney+ streaming service.

Dan Coatsworth, head of markets at AJ Bell, said of the tie-up: "It’s a win-win situation for Disney and OpenAI. Disney gets to deploy its beloved brands in the world of AI while keeping control of the intellectual property.

"Fans can use Disney characters to make videos and take social media content to another level. That could drive significant traffic to OpenAI’s Sora social media platform, turning a relatively unknown entity into a household name in a flash.

"As part owner of the business, Disney will be able to use the equity stake in OpenAI to ensure its characters are used in a controlled environment.

"It’s a significant step forward for the concept of fan fiction", he concluded.

(c) Sky News 2025: OpenAI bags Disney characters for Sora short video app