Disney just made a big move in AI. The company will invest $1 billion in OpenAI. It will also let fans use its characters in OpenAI’s video tool.
This is a three-year deal. It starts in early 2026. Users of Sora, OpenAI’s video maker, can create short clips with over 200 Disney characters. Think Mickey Mouse, Ariel, Iron Man, and Darth Vader. ChatGPT Images will let users make pictures too.
All you’ll need is a paid ChatGPT account. Type something like “Mickey Mouse surfing in Hawaii with Goofy” and the video shows up in seconds. Same thing for pictures you can make real-looking Disney posters on your phone.
Disney+ will get new smart features powered by the same tech. Workers at Disney will also use ChatGPT every day for their jobs.
Bob Iger, the boss of Disney, said it’s a safe way for fans to play with the characters we all love.
Sam Altman from OpenAI said working with Disney feels like magic.
There are rules, of course. No using real actors’ faces or voices. No grown-up stuff. Disney can delete anything that feels wrong.
A year ago Disney was suing companies for using its characters without asking. Now it’s teaming up with one of the biggest AI names instead.
Disney stock went up 6% this morning because investors liked the news.
Bottom line: next year you’ll be able to make your own little Disney cartoons at home and it will be totally legal.
