Disney Shelves $1B OpenAI Investment and 200+ Character AI Project After Sora Shutdown

Hollywood Reporter·high signal

Disney, reportedly caught off-guard by OpenAI's sudden March 24 Sora shutdown decision, has shelved plans to invest $1 billion in OpenAI. The original deal would have allowed fans to create AI versions of 200+ Disney characters (Iron Man, Cinderella, Mickey Mouse) on Disney+ via Sora. Altman personally called new Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro, who responded 'I get it' — but both sides say they're 'working hard' to find alternative collaboration. Sora app closes April 26; API shuts September 24.