USA
The Walt Disney Company has signed a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI, becoming the first major content partner for Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative AI video platform. As part of this transformative partnership, Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional equity.
Sora to Create AI-Generated Fan Videos Featuring Over 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars Characters
Under the new agreement, OpenAI’s Sora platform will generate short, user-prompted social videos inspired by more than 200 beloved characters across Disney’s iconic franchises. Fans will be able to create imaginative scenes using characters, costumes, props, vehicles, and signature environments from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
However, the license does not include any talent likenesses or voices, maintaining strict creative boundaries.
Disney+ to Stream Curated Sora-Created Videos
Transitioning from creation to distribution, Disney will make a selection of Sora-generated fan videos available to stream on Disney+. This feature will expand viewer engagement and offer subscribers new ways to interact with their favorite characters and story worlds.
Disney Becomes a Major OpenAI Customer
Alongside the licensing agreement, Disney will become a significant customer of OpenAI. The company will integrate OpenAI’s APIs to build new products, tools, and interactive experiences, including upgrades for Disney+. Disney will also deploy ChatGPT internally to empower employee creativity and operational efficiency.
Shared Commitment to Responsible AI
In addition to investment and licensing, both Disney and OpenAI reaffirmed their commitment to responsible AI development. They emphasized safeguards that protect user safety, uphold creator rights, and maintain strong controls to prevent harmful or illegal content. OpenAI will continue enhancing trust and safety systems, including age-appropriate policies and robust content moderation practices.
Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, underscored the importance of the partnership:
“Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment. Through this collaboration with OpenAI, we will responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI. Bringing Disney’s iconic stories together with OpenAI’s groundbreaking technology allows fans deeper and more personal ways to connect with the characters they love.”
Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, praised the alliance:
“Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling. This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respects creativity, and helps works reach new audiences.”
Rollout Begins in Early 2026
Sora and ChatGPT Images will begin generating fan-inspired videos featuring Disney’s licensed characters in early 2026. Fans will gain access to characters such as Mickey Mouse, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Baymax, Simba, Loki, Groot, Darth Vader, Yoda, and many more—spanning animated, stylized, and iconic versions of Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm characters.
