Open Letter to Disney: Prioritizing Human Creativity in the Age of AI

Disney's recent partnership with OpenAI, which will allow Sora to use over 200 characters—from Mickey Mouse to Yoda—to generate short, user-prompted videos, is being presented by the company as a major step in storytelling innovation. CEO Bob Iger claims this move is about "thoughtfully and responsibly extending the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works." A curated selection of these fan-created, Sora-generated clips featuring Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters will even appear on Disney+. The official line suggests this deal, which includes content guardrails and a commitment to "human-centered AI" and protecting "the rights of creators," is a way to engage fans and broaden creativity while still honoring the creative industries.

However, this announcement is causing deep concern among many—especially artists, animators, writers, and fans. The core issue is the future of the human creators behind Disney’s iconic stories. If Disney widely adopts AI-generated content, will the animators, illustrators, and technicians who meticulously craft every frame benefit, or will AI simply become a tool for cost-cutting, threatening their jobs and wages? Furthermore, this raises questions for fans and cosplayers, like myself, who dedicate considerable time and money to creating Disney-related fan art and costumes with no financial compensation from the company.

Disney’s Vision vs. Reality

Disney's public relations efforts highlight its commitment to innovation, promising fans "richer and more personal ways to connect with the Disney characters and stories they love," and a "shared commitment to responsible use of AI that protects the safety of users and the rights of creators." The company suggests that its partnership with OpenAI will "put imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans in ways we’ve never seen before," and assures investors that leveraging OpenAI’s API will lead to new tools and experiences for Disney+ subscribers.

However, this optimistic messaging stands in stark contrast to the emerging reality for creative professionals. A recent survey for the Animation Guild revealed that executives already know that adopting generative AI is detrimental to creative jobs. Three-quarters of industry leaders reported that AI tools have already reduced or eliminated positions within their divisions. Projections show that by 2026, approximately 21% of U.S. film, television, and animation jobs—about 118,000 positions—could see their core tasks significantly automated or eliminated by AI. The very technology Disney is promoting poses a threat of displacing a substantial portion of the workforce responsible for creating its content.

This looming threat has prompted swift action from creative labor organizations. The Animation Guild (TAG), which represents roughly 5,000 animation artists, writers, and technicians, has established an AI task force to "protect its membership from the potential negative effects of automation." Furthermore, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) successfully negotiated "groundbreaking AI protections" in its 2023 contract, establishing safeguards for writers' compensation and creative work against AI exploitation. As Hollywood's creative labor force mobilizes against these trends, Disney must heed these concerns.

The Human Labor Behind Disney Magic

The foundation of Disney's success—its beloved animated films, TV shows, and theme parks—is the labor and talent of thousands of human creators: animators, storyboard artists, voice actors, costume designers, and technicians. These individuals are the ones who breathe life into the characters and worlds we cherish.

Despite their vital contributions, many of these artists face chronic instability and low pay. Even in high-cost cities like Los Angeles and New York, entry-level animators often struggle to earn a living wage. Generations of Disney artists have endured demanding hours and tight budgets, often campaigning for better compensation and union support just to sustain their careers.

It is in this context that Disney's celebration of AI-generated content, such as the "Disney+ Shorts," feels like a fundamental betrayal. The characters used by AI were originally brought to life by human beings who meticulously crafted every movement and expression. When fans see iconic figures like Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Ahsoka Tano, or Elsa, they are seeing Disney magic—but if generative AI begins mass-producing new content featuring these characters, who is the genuine artist?

Furthermore, the economic value of this AI-driven content will probably bypass the original human creators. If an AI-generated short is viewed millions of times, little of that profit will flow back to the animators and designers who created the original models and established the characters' visual identity.

Disney's public pledge to "protect creators and their works" sounds hollow when the focus remains strictly on Intellectual Property (IP) ownership and not on fair compensation for labor. While Disney owns the characters, the artists own the creative work that made them famous. If AI is used to replace human labor, the creators who built the Disney universe stand to benefit the least.

Fans, Cosplayers, and Creative Communities

Disney's reliance on AI risks alienating its dedicated fans, the very communities that sustain its stories. These fans—including cosplayers who spend countless hours and personal funds promoting the brand, and artists who create fan fiction and merchandise—provide enormous, unpaid support.

However, as Disney moves to monetize fan imagination through AI, these contributors receive no compensation. AI-generated content may even devalue the human-made work they create.

Instead of ignoring this valuable community, Disney should view fans, particularly cosplayers and fan artists, as partners. The company could embrace and support them by officially featuring fan works or implementing a revenue-sharing model for licensed, fan-made merchandise. Furthermore, the rise of AI in animation threatens the future talent pipeline, as entry-level jobs—often a starting point for aspiring fan artists—may disappear.

A Call to Action

The Walt Disney Company must prioritize and invest in human creativity, not replace it with AI. While generative AI can be a tool for innovation, it should augment human artists, and its benefits must be shared equitably.

We call on Disney to take immediate action to protect and reward the people who create the Disney magic:

Key Demands for Disney and AI:

• Support and Compensate Creators: Commit a significant portion of AI-generated profits to creative workers through higher wages, better benefits, and funding for creative development programs.
• Establish Ethical AI Policies: Define clear AI guidelines in collaboration with unions and guilds. Mandate attribution and fair compensation for creators whose work is used in AI training or output.
• Maintain Transparency and Control: Be open about AI usage. Establish a task force, including staff, union representatives, and fan advocates, and allow artists to opt out of having their work used in training data.
• Honor Fan Communities: Recognize fan creators as part of the Disney family. Implement revenue-sharing licensing programs and feature exceptional fan works.
• Uphold the Spirit of Storytelling: Remember that Disney's magic is rooted in human artistry. Protect and reward the artists who bring these beloved characters and stories to life.

Disney's future success in storytelling depends on investing in people, not just pixels. We urge all concerned citizens and fans to contact Disney leadership, sign petitions, and support unions fighting for fair AI regulations. Together, we can insist that Disney leads with humanity, fairness, and respect for all creators.

Sincerely,

Concerned Disney Fans, Creatives, and Cosplayers