The Pixar animation legacy is entering the AI video generation era through Disney’s $1 billion OpenAI investment and licensing deal. The three-year agreement grants Sora access to Pixar characters alongside over 200 other characters from Disney’s portfolio.
According to Thursday’s announcement, the partnership enables Sora users to create short social videos featuring beloved Pixar characters based on text prompts. These AI-generated videos can be shared and viewed by fans, extending Pixar’s renowned animation tradition into AI-generated content formats. The licensing terms specifically exclude any use of talent likenesses or voices.
Disney’s partnership with OpenAI extends into operational integration. The entertainment company will utilize OpenAI’s tools for new product development and experiences, while deploying ChatGPT for employee productivity. This comprehensive approach demonstrates how classic animation studios can evolve their properties into emerging technologies.
CEO Bob Iger framed the collaboration as representing a pivotal moment for the entertainment industry. He emphasized Disney’s intention to responsibly extend its storytelling capabilities through generative AI while protecting creators and their contributions. Pixar’s inclusion shows Disney’s willingness to apply AI to its most prestigious animation brand.
The entertainment industry has largely avoided AI partnerships, wary of data usage and labor relations. OpenAI has pursued discussions with several major studios about Sora’s potential, but Disney’s inclusion of Pixar characters demonstrates confidence in AI’s capability to honor animation heritage. The updated Sora platform, launched in September with invitation-only access, enables users to generate videos from text prompts, explore content from other users, and produce AI avatars that can be incorporated into videos with appropriate permissions.