Disney’s AI Partnership Sparks Excitement and Debate
BUSINESS
12/14/2025
A1–A2 Level
Vocabulary
copyright (noun) — the legal right to control creative work.
Example: Copyright protects movies and songs.
deal (noun) — an agreement between two sides.
Example: The company made a deal last year.
character (noun) — a person in a story or film.
Example: Mickey Mouse is a famous character.
generate (verb) — to create something using a tool or system.
Example: The app can generate short videos.
worry (noun) — a feeling of concern.
Example: Parents worry about children online.
protect (verb) — to keep something safe.
Example: Laws protect artists.
Article
Famous Characters Enter the World of AI
Disney has made a large deal with an AI company called OpenAI. Disney will invest one billion dollars in the company.
Because of this deal, people will be able to use AI to make short videos with famous characters like Mickey Mouse and characters from Star Wars.
The AI tool works by creating videos from written instructions. Users type what they want, and the AI makes a video.
Some people are excited about this new technology. Others feel worried. They think AI videos could be fake or confusing.
Disney and OpenAI say they want to use AI in a safe and responsible way. However, not everyone agrees with the decision.
Comprehension Questions
Which company is Disney working with?
What can people create using the AI tool?
Why are some people worried?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you like Disney characters?
Would you try making an AI video?
Does this idea sound fun or strange?
Do you trust technology companies?
Should famous characters be protected?
Do you enjoy watching short videos?
Can technology sometimes be confusing?
Do you worry about fake videos?
Should children use AI tools?
Do you think AI is helpful?
Would you share an AI video online?
Do movies feel different with technology?
Should companies control their characters?
Do you like old or new movies more?
How do you feel about the future of AI?
Comprehension Answers (A1–A2)
OpenAI.
Short videos with Disney characters.
Because the videos may be fake or misleading.
B1–B2 Level
Vocabulary
copyright — legal ownership of creative work.
Example: Copyright laws protect films and music.
licensing — permission to use something legally.
Example: Disney licensed its characters.
generate — to create content automatically.
Example: AI can generate realistic videos.
misinformation — false or misleading information.
Example: Misinformation spreads quickly online.
advocacy — public support for a cause.
Example: Advocacy groups raised concerns.
mitigate — to reduce negative effects.
Example: Rules can mitigate risks.
Article
Disney’s AI Partnership Sparks Excitement and Debate
Disney has announced a billion-dollar investment in OpenAI, marking a major step into AI-generated media. The deal allows Disney characters to be used in OpenAI’s video-generation tool, Sora.
With this technology, users can create short videos using characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. Some of this content may appear on Disney’s streaming platform.
While many see this as an exciting innovation, others are concerned. AI-generated videos can look very real, which raises fears about misinformation, deepfakes, and copyright problems.
Children’s advocacy groups have also criticized the deal, warning that popular characters could attract young users to AI platforms.
Disney and OpenAI say they are committed to responsible AI use, but the discussion around ethics and regulation continues.
Comprehension Questions
What does the deal allow users to do?
What risks are linked to AI videos?
Why are advocacy groups concerned?
Personal Questions (15)
Do you think this deal is a good idea?
Should companies control AI creativity?
How realistic do AI videos feel to you?
Can misinformation be dangerous?
Should children be protected online?
Do you trust AI-generated content?
How important is copyright today?
Would you use AI for creative projects?
Can AI replace human creativity?
Do you think laws can keep up with technology?
Should AI content be labeled?
Would this change how you see Disney?
Do you feel excited or cautious about AI?
Who should set rules for AI?
How might AI change entertainment?
Comprehension Answers (B1–B2)
To create AI-generated videos with Disney characters.
Misinformation, deepfakes, and copyright issues.
Because children may be attracted to AI platforms.
C1–C2 Level
Vocabulary
licensing — a legal agreement granting usage rights.
Example: Licensing defines how content can be used.
infringe — to violate a law or right.
Example: Unauthorized use can infringe copyright.
advocacy — organized action supporting social concerns.
Example: Advocacy groups questioned the ethics.
mitigate — to limit harm or risk.
Example: Regulation can mitigate abuse.
misinformation — false content presented as fact.
Example: AI increases the scale of misinformation.
betrayal — a serious break of trust.
Example: Critics called the decision a betrayal.
Article
Power, Creativity, and Control in Disney’s AI Gamble
Disney’s billion-dollar partnership with OpenAI highlights a turning point in how major cultural institutions engage with artificial intelligence. By licensing its characters to an AI video generator, Disney is actively shaping the future of automated creativity.
Supporters view the deal as innovative and inevitable. AI tools like Sora enable rapid content creation and open new possibilities for storytelling and fan engagement.
Critics, however, argue that the partnership raises ethical concerns. The use of beloved characters may influence young audiences, while the spread of realistic AI-generated media increases risks of misinformation and manipulation.
The deal also exposes tensions between collaboration and control, as Disney simultaneously partners with AI firms while accusing others of copyright infringement.
Ultimately, the agreement reflects broader questions about authorship, responsibility, and cultural power in the age of artificial intelligence.
Comprehension Questions
Why is this partnership significant?
What ethical risks are mentioned?
What broader issue does the deal illustrate?
Personal Questions (15)
Can creativity exist without human intent?
Should cultural icons be licensed to AI?
Is innovation more important than ethics?
Who should control powerful technologies?
Does realism increase responsibility?
Are corporations suitable guardians of culture?
How should AI influence be limited?
Is regulation always too slow?
Can AI reshape artistic value?
Should audiences be protected from realism?
Where does authorship end with AI?
Can trust survive in synthetic media?
Does scale make misinformation worse?
Is this partnership visionary or dangerous?
What principles should guide AI development?
Comprehension Answers (C1–C2)
It integrates major cultural IP directly into AI creation.
Influence on children, misinformation, and manipulation.
The balance between innovation, control, and ethics.
