Disney invests $1B in OpenAI; 3‑year deal lets Sora use 200+ Disney/Marvel/Pixar/Star Wars characters
Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI under a new three‑year commercial partnership announced Thursday that licenses more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters for use in OpenAI’s Sora. Under the deal, Sora users will be able to create AI-generated videos featuring those characters.
📌 Key Facts
- Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI.
- The agreement is a new licensing deal between Disney and OpenAI described by Disney as a new commercial partnership.
- The deal term is three years.
- Under the agreement, Sora users will be able to create AI videos using more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars.
- Disney announced the commercial partnership on Thursday.
📊 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
📰 Sources (2)
- Deal term is three years.
- Sora users will be able to create AI videos using more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
- Disney described the arrangement as a new commercial partnership, and announced it on Thursday.