Disney and OpenAI sign landmark deal… and we saw it coming! | E2223

88 snips

Dec 13, 2025

A groundbreaking $1 billion investment from Disney into OpenAI paves the way for beloved characters to interact in AI platforms like Sora and ChatGPT. The hosts discuss the implications of this deal, including fair use vs. commercial licensing. Concerns about actor likeness rights, quality issues with Amazon’s AI features, and the potential for AI to revolutionize education, healthcare, and housing are also explored. Founders are urged to engage with large companies, even if it may just be for fishing expeditions.

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INSIGHT

IP Licensing Precedent Changes AI Landscape

The OpenAI–Disney deal creates a commercial precedent that legitimizes paid licensing of famous characters to LLMs.
Jason Calacanis argues every major LLM will need similar IP deals to avoid legal and moral blowback.

ADVICE

Always Take BigCo Meetings

Take calls from large companies even if you don't plan to sell; treat the meeting as market intelligence.
Ask questions, let them pitch, and avoid revealing sensitive specifics about your business.

ANECDOTE

Jason Called The Deal Months Earlier

Jason recounts predicting an OpenAI–Disney licensing outcome on the All In podcast months earlier.
He even demonstrated a 'Darth Calacanis' example to illustrate consumer engagement with character transformations.

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