As part of the agreement, Disney will become a major customer of OpenAI, using its tools to build new products and experiences and deploying ChatGPT for its employees. Photo by Jae C. Hong/AP Photo/Postmedia files

Walt Disney Co. agreed to invest US$1 billion in OpenAI and license iconic characters like Mickey Mouse and Cinderella for use on the startup’s short-form, artificial intelligence video platform.

As part of the new three-year pact, OpenAI’s Sora will be able to draw from from a library of more than 200 animated and creature characters — from Lilo and Stitch to Ariel and Simba — when generating AI videos in response to user prompts. The deal, announced Thursday, doesn’t cover any talent likenesses or voices, however. So a video could feature Woody from Toy Story but

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