Disney to invest $1 billion in OpenAI, permit use of characters on AI video generator

getty_sora_121125558754
In this photo illustration, a silhouetted individual is seen holding a mobile phone with a Sora of ChatGPT OpenAI logo displayed in the background. (Photo Illustration by Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

(NEW YORK) — The Walt Disney Company on Thursday announced plans to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence company OpenAI, in a deal that will grant the company access to copyrighted characters from “Star Wars,” Marvel and other properties for users of AI short-form video generator Sora.

“The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works,” Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement on Thursday.

Disney is the parent company of ABC News.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Copyright © 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

uscc_misslefiredtowardsiran_030226671601

Stocks slide after Iran attack

March 2, 2026 Business

An ATACM long-range missile is fired towards Iran from an undisclosed location, Feb. 28, 2026. (U.S. Central Command) (NEW YORK) — Stocks slid on Monday morning in the first trading session after the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran over the

getty_donald-trump-11-gty-gmh-260220_1771615313249_hpmain252033

Trump’s 10% global tariff takes effect

February 24, 2026 Business

President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House in Washington, February 20, 2026. (Aaron Schwartz/Getty Images) (NEW YORK) — A 10% global tariff took effect on Tuesday,