Tag Archives: pixar

OpenAI shuts down SORA and with it goes Disney’s Billion Dollar Investment

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Sora

OpenAI is shutting down Sora, the generative-AI video creation platform that was launched in 2024. No specifics were given as to why, the Sora team released a statement:

We’re saying goodbye to Sora. To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built community around it: thank you. What you made with Sora mattered, and we know this news is disappointing.

We’ll share more soon, including timelines for the app and API and details on preserving your work. – The Sora Team

With the shutdown, goes the investment Disney promised just three months ago. The two companies announced a three-year licensing agreement that allowed Sora to use some Disney intellectual property from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, for the creation of videos. Those videos were going to be added to Disney+ in a new curated section. That deal included a $1 billion stake in OpenAI.

That’s now evaporated like the value of an NFT.

Disney released a statement to Variety:

As the nascent AI field advances rapidly, we respect OpenAI’s decision to exit the video generation business and to shift its priorities elsewhere. We appreciate the constructive collaboration between our teams and what we learned from it, and we will continue to engage with AI platforms to find new ways to meet fans where they are while responsibly embracing new technologies that respect IP and the rights of creators.

While Disney cut a deal with OpenAI it has been more adversarial with other platforms including sending Google a cease-and desist demand and it, along with Universal and Warner Bros., are suing Midjourney.

The New Adventures of Inside Out 2: Big Feelings Gets a Spanish Edition

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¡Disney Pixar te invita a explorar un mundo de emociones… ahora en español! 

In collaboration with Disney and Pixar, Papercutz has announced a Spanish-language edition of The New Adventures of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2: Big Feelings (Spanish Edition), expanding the emotional world of the hit film for even more young readers and families. 

Created by an acclaimed team known for their YA and kids’ storytelling—writer Sloane Leong, with art and colors by Sergio Algozzino and Sara Galanti, and letters by Eisner-nominated Chris Dickey—this middle-grade release (Ages 7–12) brings the heart, humor, and complexity of Riley Andersen’s inner world to life in four original comic stories. 

BETTER TOGETHER! Riley Andersen is officially a teenager, and her Emotions—Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadness, and Disgust—are starting to work together with new Emotions Anxiety, Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. Headquarters has never been busier! As Riley braves a haunted cabin at summer camp, attends her first teen pool party, encounters an unexpected surprise just before school picture day, and more, can the crew figure out how to help her live her best life through all the ups and downs? 

The graphic novel expands the world of Inside Out, offering fans new stories and heartfelt moments with Riley and her Emotions, adding depth, humor, and fresh perspectives to her evolving emotional landscape. 

This Spanish-language edition offers a fresh entry point for families and classrooms, making  Riley’s emotional journey even more accessible to bilingual readers and Spanish-speaking communities.  

The New Adventures of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2: Big Feelings (Spanish Edition) arrives in bookstores, comic shops, and libraries in both hardcover and trade paperback (PB ISBN:  9781545802212 | HC ISBN: 9781545801390) on April 14, 2026. 

The New Adventures of Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out 2: Big Feelings (Spanish Edition)

Disney to Invest $1 Billion in OpenAI Allowing the Licensed Use of its Characters

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Mickey Mouse

Disney has partnered with OpenAI and invested $1 billion in the Sam Altman-run artificial intelligence company. With the deal, Disney is also licensing the use of its characters in AI video creation platform Sora. Users will now be able to “legally” use Disney’s characters from Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.

The “shortform video creation” will be allowed on Disney+ as part of “fan-inspired Sora short form videos.” The licensed character product launches on Sora and ChatGPT in early 2026. Expect the slop to overrun everywhere even more soon after.

The three-year deal is a 180 with how the company is dealing with Midjourney, another artificial intelligence company. In June, Disney and Universal launched a lawsuit against Midjourney calling it a “bottomless pit of plagiarism.” Warner Bros. launched their own lawsuit and the two cases were consolidated in November. One wonders if there were negotiations between Disney and Midjourney that didn’t pan out which lead to the lawsuit.

Disney recently sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google, alleging Google’s AI platforms have resulted in copyright infringement on a “massive scale.”

The move by Disney is another attempt to reach out to people “where they’re at,” following a $1.5 billion equity investment into Epic Games which brings Disney characters into Fortnite in a multiyear effort.

It’s also a major shift from Disney who is notoriously litigious in protecting its intellectual property. In one infamous case, Disney threated to sue a daycare center over murals that featured the likeness of their characters. Universal Studios and Hanna-Barbera stepped up to allow the use of their characters to prevent the legal action.

Unions were quick to condemn the deal saying it “sanctioned” the “theft of (their) work.”

The Writers Guild of America stated:

Disney’s announcement with OpenAI appears to sanction its theft of our work and cedes the value of what we create to a tech company that has built its business off our backs.

And they’ll meet with Disney:

..to probe the terms of this deal, including the extent to which user-generated videos use the work of WGA members. We will continue to fight to protect our members’ creative and economic interests in the context of AI technology.

In a message to its members, the WGA has said:

Companies including OpenAI have stolen vast libraries of works owned by the studios and created by WGA members and Hollywood labor to train their artificial intelligence systems. We have repeatedly called for the studios to take legal action to defend the valuable intellectual property we help to create.

SAG-AFTRA said:

SAG-AFTRA will closely monitor the deal and its implementation to ensure compliance with our contracts and with applicable laws protecting image, voice and likeness,” the union said. “SAG-AFTRA members are very focused on the rapidly expanding use of intellectual property and individuals’ likenesses and voices by generative AI tools, and SAG-AFTRA remains vigilant about any such uses.

We acknowledge Disney’s and OpenAI’s independent outreaches to us on this matter and their assurances that they will meet their contractual and legal obligations to performers and continue to implement systems to ensure ethical and responsible use of this technology.

SAG-AFTRA has engaged in months of discussions with OpenAI about how to protect performers.

Disney and Pixar Collaborate with Robosen to Launch the World’s First Robotic Buzz Lightyear Toy

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Robosen Robotics has collaborated with Disney and Pixar to bring one of the world’s most iconic characters to life like never before with the launch of the Toy Story Buzz Lightyear Robot. This groundbreaking robotic experience invites fans of all ages to experience Buzz Lightyear through an interactive robot that combines cutting-edge technology with the timeless charm of your favorite Space Ranger. The Buzz Lightyear Robot is available now for an MSRP of $599 atwww.robosen.com and www.DisneyStore.com, www.disneystore.co.uk, Disney Store Times Square, Disney Store Oxford Street and Disney Store Dublin.

An Unprecedented Robotic Experience

For the first time ever, Toy Story fans can own a fully controllable and programmable Buzz Lightyear robot. Meticulously crafted with more than 3,000 parts, 23 servo motors and 75 microchips, this Buzz Lightyear robot embodies the spirit of innovation, adventure and imagination that Toy Story fans have cherished for generations. The Buzz Lightyear Robot is fully voice and app-controlled, allowing fans to immerse themselves in iconic missions and scenes while controlling Buzz’s every move.

Equipped with innovative micro-servos that enable first-ever realistic eye and mouth movement, the Buzz Lightyear Robot delivers a lifelike recreation of the legendary Space Ranger. Whether engaging in pre-built missions or creating custom scenarios using Robosen Studio —debuting this fall—this robot offers an exciting level of interactivity and creativity.

Key Features

  • Voice & App Controlled for seamless operation
  • More than 3,000 intricate parts designed for lifelike movement
  • 23 servo motors enabling full-range motion
  • 75 microchips powering interactive features
  • First of its kind micro-servos providing realistic facial expressions
  • Ultra-authentic Buzz Lightyear experience
  • In-App programming for custom scenes using Toy Story lines
  • Robosen Studio PC integration coming soon

The Buzz Lightyear Robot stands 14.6 inches tall and weighs 3.7 pounds, making it a substantial and impressive figure for any collection. Whether you’re recreating famous scenes, enjoying the robot with family or designing your own adventures, this robot takes Toy Story fandom to an entirely new level.

Those Two Geeks Episode 120: Bravely talking about Disney Pixar’s Soul. And Loki.

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Alex and Joe talk about Pixar movies, specifically Soul and Brave. And maybe some Loki.

As always, Alex and Joe can be found on Twitter respectively @karcossa and @jcb_smark if you feel the need to tell them they’re wrong individually, or @those2geeks if you want to yell at them together on twitter, or by email at ItsThose2Geeks@gmail.com.

Those Two Geeks Episode 118: Tangents upon Tangents – Brave, He-Man and Stonehenge

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Alex and Joe talk about the movie Brave, Stonehenge, He-Man, a story Joe is writing, and maybe some Loki (without spoilers). This is one of the more random episodes we’ve had in a while, honestly.

As always, Alex and Joe can be found on Twitter respectively @karcossa and @jcb_smark if you feel the need to tell them they’re wrong individually, or @those2geeks if you want to yell at them together on twitter, or by email at ItsThose2Geeks@gmail.com.

Nielsen Reports a Huge Streaming Debut for Wonder Woman 1984

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Wonder Woman 1984

According to Nielsen, Wonder Woman 1984 on HBO Max racked up the most viewing time yet for a feature film.

The service reports that between December 21 to 27, HBO Max users spent 2.25 billion minutes watching Wonder Woman 1984. The film debuted on Christmas day, December 25. That’s about 14.9 million complete plays for the 151-minute film.

That’s more than the 1.67 billion minutes for Pixar’s Soul on Disney+ which was previously reported as the leader for that time period.

HBO Max hasn’t revealed exact numbers but they have stated that nearly half of its retail subscribers viewed the film on the premiere day.

Warner Bros. has to be happy with what they’ve seen as they’ve greenlit a third film in the series.

(via The Hollywood Reporter)

Those Two Geeks Episode Ninety Six: Disney Pixar’s Soul

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Alex talks about Disney Pixar’s new Soul movie released on Disney +.

As always, Alex and Joe can be found on Twitter respectively @karcossa and @jcb_smark if you feel the need to tell them they’re wrong individually, or @those2geeks if you want to yell at them together on Twitter, or by email at ItsThose2Geeks@gmail.com.

Pixar Story Artist Michael Yates is coming to AfroComicCon

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Michael Yates

AfroComicCon has announced that story artist Michael Yates will be among the Special Guests for this year’s virtual convention!

Join Pixar Animation Studios Story Artist Michael Yates as he discusses his background, professional path, and gives you an inside look at the story process for Disney and Pixar’s newest film, SOUL, releasing on Disney+ December 25. Michael will also discuss being part of Pixar’s Internal Culture Trust and the importance of authenticity in creating the studio’s first African American protagonist.

Michael Yates joined Pixar Animation Studios in 2015 as a story artist. Yates worked on the feature films Cars 3 and Toy Story 4. He most recently was a story artist on Pixar’s upcoming feature Soul, which is set to release on Disney+ on December 25, 2020. Yates is currently in development on an unannounced Pixar project. 

As a story artist, Yates helps craft the story by drawing storyboards that depict characters, action, and setting. Storyboards are edited together into sequences that provide early visualizations of the film that help demonstrate what works best for the story. 

Prior to Pixar, Yates interned at Walt Disney Animation Studios before working at Cartoon Network. He also worked on Guillermo del Toro’s Trollhunters at DreamWorks Animation. Yates also co-directed the award-winning short Legend of the Flying Tomato.

AfroComicCon​‘s 1st virtual convention will be held on October 24, 2020. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the annual event started in 2017 by the ​Oakland Technology & Education Center (OTEC), ​will be held virtually and free through a portal on the organization’s website. Sponsored by the NNPA, the ​Oakland A’s, and Pixar Entertainment, AfroComicCon promises to be a day full of exciting panels, screenings, entertainment, gaming, cosplay and special guests. The 12-hour event is currently slated to be live-streamed across multiple platforms including YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. You can register now.

The Incredibles Return with Incredibles 2: Slow Burn in February

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From the creators of Disney/Pixar The Incredibles 2: Secret Identities, writer Christos Gage, artist Jean Claudio Vinci, and colorist Dan Jackson, comes Disney/PIXAR The Incredibles 2: Slow Burn.

Dash is known for one thing: Speed. From fighting evil to eating breakfast, Dash doesn’t do slow, no matter what. However, when a new villain named Slow Burn arrives on the scene, Dash must learn, and quickly, how to adapt to life at a slower pace. And luckily for him, his family is here to help!

Disney/PIXAR The Incredibles 2: Slow Burn #1 arrives on February 5, 2020, and is available for pre-order now.

Disney/PIXAR The Incredibles 2: Slow Burn #1
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