In news that is breaking like a tsunami all over Hollywood, The Walt Disney Company today announced a massive, multi-part deal with OpenAI, maker of the viral text-to-video generator, Sora.So now the biggest IP owner on the planet is putting $1 billion up to allow AI to use all their intellectual property.They have formally licensed over 200 beloved Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters to the Sora platform. Starting in early 2026, fans will be able to generate short, user-prompted videos and images featuring everything from Mickey Mouse to Captain America using Sora and ChatGPT Images.This also basically eliminated any copyright lawsuits Disney had against Sora and OpenAI as well, since now they're okay with them playing with their characters.What kind of precedents does this set for all of Hollywood? Is this the new frontier for IP monetization, copyright, and the future of production?Let's dive in. 'Lion King' Credit: Disney The Breakdown: $1 Billion and 200 CharactersThe facts of the deal are simple. Disney is making a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and becoming a major customer, integrating OpenAI's APIs across its business (including Disney+ and internal employee tools).As I said at the top, it puts any copyright lawsuit on hold. Disney's agreement provides a controlled, licensed framework for people to use their IP within AI.Who can you play with in Sora?The deal covers animated, masked, and creature characters, along with their costumes, vehicles, and iconic environments. That means Darth Vader, Iron Man (in the suit), and Baymax...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Yesterday