(Bloomberg/Molly Schuetz) — Walt Disney Co. agreed to invest $1 billion in OpenAI and license iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella for use on the startup’s short-form, artificial intelligence video platform.

As part of the new three-year pact, OpenAI’s Sora will be able to draw from from a library of more than 200 animated and creature characters — from Lilo and Stitch to Ariel and Simba — when generating AI videos in response to user prompts. The deal, announced Thursday, doesn’t cover any talent likenesses or voices, however. So a video could feature Woody from Toy Story but without Tom Hanks’ voice.

“The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly

See Full Page