OpenAI ends $1 billion partnership with Disney

OpenAI, developer of ChatGPT, has ended its $1 billion partnership with Disney, according to reports from BBC and The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). 

Disney confirmed to WSJ that it will no longer proceed with the previously planned investment in OpenAI.

The termination follows OpenAI’s decision to shut down its Sora video-generation neural network, announced on March 24. WSJ notes that this move appears to be part of OpenAI’s preparations for its upcoming IPO. The company aims to focus on core products, particularly productivity tools, while exiting some other business areas.

The partnership, initially agreed upon in December 2025 and set to last three years, allowed ChatGPT Images and Sora subscribers to use more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars universes for creating images and videos. Disney had planned to invest $1 billion as part of the collaboration.