Disney’s first CTO led an AI startup it once accused of copying its characters
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What's this about?
The former CEO of Character.AI, which Disney previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to, will serve as the company's first-ever chief technology officer.
The one-panel cartoon
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A boardroom with a large screen displaying AI-generated Disney characters, with the former Character.AI CEO sitting at the head of the table, a stack of old cease-and-desist letters in front of him
Caption: Welcome to the family, the guy you used to call a pirate
Read the full 3-panel strip
Based on the original story on techcrunch.com.
Editor's note
This appointment of Disney's former CTO to lead its AI startup underscores the company's willingness to embrace new technologies and strategies, even when they come from competitors. It also highlights the evolving landscape of technology and innovation where traditional animators are finding new ways to innovate.
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Panel 1
*Alex is in a futuristic office, surrounded by screens and AI prototypes. Sam is standing next to him, looking unimpressed.*
Alex: Imagine the irony, Sam! The guy who Disney thought was copying their characters is now running Disney's AI show!
Sam: And you think that’s a good thing?
Panel 2
*Robin bursts into the room holding a large cardboard cutout of Mickey Mouse.*
Robin: Guys, guess what? Character.AI’s founder is Disney’s new CTO! I brought our mascot to celebrate!
Alex: That's fantastic! We can finally make those AI-powered Mickey Mouse cartoons!
Panel 3
*Sam rolls his eyes, while Alex looks excited. Robin places the Mickey Mouse cutout on a table with an AI prototype, and the AI starts to blink and hum as if coming to life.*
Robin: And I heard Disney’s new AI is going to be called... "MickeyBot"!
Alex: Perfect! Who knew Mickey Mouse could be the future of AI?
Sam: If anyone can pull it off, it’s Disney. But let's hope Mickey doesn’t start stealing tech from everyone else.
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