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January 15, 2026

Disney to invest $1bn in OpenAI, allowing characters in Sora video tool
TECHNOLOGY
Dec 11 , 4:14

Disney to invest $1bn in OpenAI, allowing characters in Sora video tool

Disney wants to donate OpenAI $1 billion, which is a lot of money for a media and IT company.This will let OpenAI's Sora, an AI-based video-making tool, use Disney movie characters. This transaction is a huge step toward bringing together AI and fun.People think that Disney is getting the newest generative video technology and that OpenAI is acquiring one of the best creative libraries in the world. It's clear that adding characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars to Sora will make it easier to come up with new ways to tell tales, animate, and develop content. This could be helpful in movies, TV shows, ads, and other things that make you feel like you're really there. The move illustrates that AI is having a growing and bigger impact on generating content, at least in the UK IT and creative fields. In this domain, the UK has a lot of well-known companies in the media, gaming, and VFX fields. Experts in the field argue that the relationship indicates how swiftly generative AI technologies are changing the way things are done, speeding up production and offering artists more creative alternatives. It also makes you think about how to employ AI, licensing, and intellectual property. As more and more people want fake movies, virtual people, and digital worlds, tech and media businesses are likewise working harder and harder to get their hands on the greatest AI systems first.

The fact that Disney is working with Sora is a big sign that OpenAI believes in Sora's potential.For Disney, it gives them a strategic edge in getting their storytelling empire ready for the next generation of AI-powered entertainment.The news has sparked a lot of talk in the UK tech industry about rules, who owns creative work, and the future of AI and human-led creation. This makes the deal a big deal in both UK and global tech news. Experts say that the partnership could change how businesses create animations and special effects. Creative businesses in the UK are watching closely to see what this means for advertising and branded content. The purchase could change the jobs of people who work in tech and the arts. Policymakers need to pay close attention to how AI-generated content is managed. People are still worried about deepfakes and how they are used. People who support the technology say it could help everyone make better videos. The partnership could help speed up investments in AI infrastructure and people. It shows that the UK needs to strike a balance between new ideas and rules. This is part of a larger trend toward AI-controlled entertainment systems. The alliance could change how people all over the world read stories.

Disney's investment in OpenAI shows that there is a big shift toward making content with famous characters using AI. The deal could reshape film, TV, and digital media, while increasing focus on AI regulation and intellectual property.

Maisie Harlow

Maisie Harlow

Senior Technology Correspondent

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