Disney is hedging against the future. OpenAI is clearing a path for Sora. And together they've made a blueprint for how AI and Hollywood can move forward.

Users of Sora and ChatGPT Images will be able to generate videos using characters such as Darth Vader, Ariel and Cinderella beginning in early 2026.

Disney’s deal with OpenAI will allow users to generate AI videos based on characters from Marvel, Star Wars and other franchises.

Disney (DIS) has agreed to make a $1B equity investment in OpenAI (OPENAI) and has signed a major licensing agreement under which OpenAI's generative AI video service Sora will have the rights to generate content using Disney's IP.

Big AI firms have built their models by hoovering up copyrighted material from the internet as training data. They say this legal, but copyright holders disagree - and this year they hit back in a maj

Disney has announced a three-year, $1 billion partnership with OpenAI, becoming the first major Hollywood studio to formally integrate its intellectual property with a leading generative AI platform.