Big Take Inside Disney and OpenAI’s Billion Dollar Deal
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Dec 19, 2025 Shirin Ghaffary, a tech reporter at Bloomberg specializing in AI, and Thomas Buckley, an entertainment reporter focusing on Hollywood, dive into Disney's groundbreaking $1 billion licensing deal with OpenAI. They discuss how this partnership allows OpenAI to use over 200 beloved Disney characters on its platform, Sora. The conversation explores the potential benefits for both companies, the high costs of video AI, and the pushback from industry unions concerned about fair compensation. This deal may set a precedent for future collaborations in the media landscape.
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Disney's Turn From Lawsuits To Licensing
- Disney shifted from suing AI firms to striking a licensing deal with OpenAI to control its characters' use.
- The three-year, $1 billion stock-for-IP deal gives OpenAI licensed access to 200+ Disney characters for Sora.
Deal Could Be A Template For Hollywood
- The deal could set a template for other studios because Disney's IP is globally valuable and brand-sensitive.
- If Disney approves it, other media companies may be more willing to license characters to AI platforms.
Worst-Case Character Imagery Concern
- Thomas Buckley recalled fears of iconic characters appearing in grotesque or violent contexts.
- That concern helped drive Disney's litigation and cautious approach to AI licensing.