Disney to invest $1B in OpenAI, license IP
Axios reports that The Walt Disney Company will invest $1 billion in OpenAI and license Disney characters and other IP for use in OpenAI’s Sora video-generation model. The agreement, reported December 11, 2025, pairs a major U.S. media company with a leading AI developer in a deal that could influence content creation and distribution across entertainment and technology.
📌 Key Facts
- Investment amount: $1 billion by The Walt Disney Company into OpenAI
- Disney will license characters/IP for OpenAI’s Sora video model
- Reported by Axios on December 11, 2025
📊 Relevant Data
A study estimates that 62,000 entertainment jobs in California will be disrupted by artificial intelligence in the next three years.
These entertainment jobs are most vulnerable to AI, study says — Los Angeles Times
Employment of special effects artists and animators is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations.
Special Effects Artists and Animators — Bureau of Labor Statistics
55% of entertainment workers believe animators will face a major impact from AI within two years, and 50% expect VFX artists to be similarly affected.
Animation Jobs & AI: How the Industry's Future Is Changing — Cartoon Brew
The global generative AI in animation market was USD 652.1 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 13,386.5 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 39.8%.
Generative AI In Animation Market Size | Industry Report 2033 — Grand View Research