AI Avatars and Disney Characters Combine in Groundbreaking Deal

AI avatars and Disney characters are combining through a groundbreaking deal that includes a $1 billion Disney investment in OpenAI. The three-year licensing agreement grants Sora access to over 200 characters from Disney’s entertainment portfolio.
According to Thursday’s announcement, the partnership enables Sora users to create short social videos featuring beloved characters through text-based prompts. The platform’s updated features also allow users to create realistic AI avatars of themselves that can interact with Disney characters in user-generated videos, with appropriate permissions. The licensing terms specifically exclude any reproduction of talent likenesses or voices.
Disney’s partnership with OpenAI extends into operational areas. The company will utilize OpenAI’s tools for new product development and experiences, while deploying ChatGPT for employee use. This comprehensive approach demonstrates Disney’s strategic commitment to emerging AI technologies.
CEO Bob Iger described the collaboration as marking a significant moment for the entertainment industry. He emphasized Disney’s intention to responsibly extend its storytelling capabilities through generative AI while protecting creators and their work. This messaging addresses concerns from entertainment professionals about AI’s impact.
Hollywood studios have generally kept AI companies at arm’s length, concerned about data protection and union relations. OpenAI has engaged with several major studios about Sora’s potential, but Disney’s agreement marks a breakthrough. The updated Sora platform, launched in September with invitation-only access, combines video generation from text prompts, community content viewing, and AI avatar creation in a single social experience.