California, United States — The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI have reached a landmark three-year licensing agreement that will bring beloved characters from across Disney’s portfolio to Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative AI video platform.
Under the agreement, Sora will be able to generate short, user-prompted social videos featuring more than 200 characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, alongside related costumes, props, vehicles and iconic environments.
These fan-inspired videos will be viewable and shareable, with a curated selection made available to stream on Disney+.
The agreement does not include any talent likenesses or voices.
As part of the partnership, Disney will also become a major customer of OpenAI, using its APIs to build new products, tools and experiences, including for Disney+, while deploying ChatGPT across its workforce.
Disney will make a US$1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional equity, subject to customary approvals and closing conditions.
The collaboration affirms a shared commitment to the responsible use of artificial intelligence, with both companies pledging to protect user safety and the rights of creators.
OpenAI will continue to implement age-appropriate policies and robust safeguards to prevent illegal or harmful content, while respecting intellectual property and individual rights relating to voice and likeness.
“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.
Iger explained, “The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works.”
He further added that this collaboration would put imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans in ways we’ve never seen before, giving them richer and more personal ways to connect with the Disney characters and stories they love.
“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,” said Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI.
Altman added, “This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity, and help works reach vast new audiences.”
Under the licence, fans will be able to create content featuring characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo and Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Baymax, Simba, and characters from franchises including Frozen, Encanto, Toy Story, Inside Out, Moana and Star Wars, alongside animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm characters.
Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin generating fan-inspired content using Disney’s licensed characters in early 2026.
