The Walt Disney Company has entered into a landmark partnership with OpenAI, becoming the first major studio to license its characters for use on Sora—OpenAI’s generative AI video platform.
Through this three-year collaboration, Sora will gain access to a library of more than 200 animated, masked, and creature characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, along with their signature settings, vehicles, props, and costumes. This will enable fans to create short, AI-generated social videos directly from prompts. ChatGPT Images will also be equipped to produce detailed visuals from simple text inputs using the same licensed IP. The agreement explicitly excludes any real-world talent likenesses or voices.
Disney will also become a significant OpenAI client, leveraging the company’s APIs to build next-generation tools, features, and experiences—including enhancements for Disney+—and deploying ChatGPT across its workforce.
As part of the deal, Disney plans to invest $1 billion in OpenAI and will receive warrants for additional equity purchases.
Both companies emphasized a shared commitment to responsible AI innovation that protects creators and prioritizes safety. Together, they aim to advance human-centered AI that supports the creative community while expanding storytelling possibilities.
The agreement remains subject to final documentation, board approvals, and standard closing requirements.
“Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,” said Robert A. Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company.
He added that the rise of AI represents “an important moment for our industry,” noting that the partnership will help Disney “thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works.”
Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, said, “Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling, and we’re excited to partner to allow Sora and ChatGPT Images to expand the way people create and experience great content.”
Under the licensed partnership, curated Sora-generated videos will also be available on Disney+. Additionally, Disney and OpenAI will collaborate to integrate OpenAI’s models into new experiences for Disney+ subscribers. Fan-generated content featuring Disney’s multi-brand characters is expected to launch in early 2026.
Fans will be able to create with a wide selection of characters, including Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba, Mufasa, characters from Frozen, Moana, Toy Story, Inside Out, Zootopia, and more. Marvel and Star Wars universes will also be included, featuring Black Panther, Iron Man, Groot, Captain America, Loki, Thanos, Deadpool, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Leia, Yoda, and others in their animated or illustrated forms.
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