The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI have finalized a three-year licensing agreement that integrates Disney characters and images into Sora, OpenAI's short-form video generation platform. As part of this arrangement, Disney will invest $1 billion into OpenAI. The agreement is scheduled to make integrated content available to Sora users starting in 2026.
Agreement Details
The licensing agreement permits the use of Disney characters and images within Sora, OpenAI's artificial intelligence-powered video generator. This collaboration will enable users to create and share videos featuring over 200 animated characters sourced from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises. A specific clause within the agreement stipulates that it does not encompass the likeness or voices of any talent.
Financial Investment
Under the terms of the agreement, The Walt Disney Company will invest $1 billion into OpenAI. This investment also positions Disney as a major customer for the artificial intelligence company.
Advocacy Group's Response
Fairplay, a non-profit advocacy group dedicated to reducing children's screen time, released a statement expressing concerns regarding the agreement. The group contended that despite OpenAI's stated prohibition against children using Sora, the inclusion of popular characters could attract young audiences to the platform. Fairplay characterized the deal as "betraying kids" and criticized Disney for its role, alleging it facilitates OpenAI's efforts to attract young users to its products.
Company Commitments
In response to potential concerns, both Disney and OpenAI issued a joint statement. They affirmed their mutual commitment to safeguarding creator rights and emphasized their intent to maintain stringent controls aimed at preventing the generation of illegal or harmful content.
Availability
The functionalities facilitated by this licensing agreement are scheduled to become available to Sora users beginning in 2026.