Disney Strikes Massive OpenAI Deal Bringing More Than 200 Characters to the Sora Video Platform and Invests $1 Billion in the AI Company
Disney just made one of its biggest tech moves yet as it steps deeper into an entertainment landscape rapidly reshaped by artificial intelligence.
The company confirmed a major multiyear partnership with OpenAI that will bring more than 200 characters from across Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars into Sora, OpenAI’s generative AI video platform.
Alongside this licensing pact, Disney is also investing $1 billion into OpenAI, signaling just how seriously the studio is taking this new era.
This three year agreement makes Disney the first major content licensing partner on Sora. Fans will soon be able to create short, user prompted videos that feature characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba, Mufasa and characters from the worlds of Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up and Zootopia.
The deal also covers animated and illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm icons including Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Thanos, Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Leia, the Mandalorian, Stormtroopers and Yoda.
OpenAI’s tools will be able to use these characters along with their related costumes, vehicles, props and signature environments to generate short form social videos and images.
Disney emphasized that this does not include any talent likenesses or voices. ChatGPT Images will also be able to instantly create fully generated visuals using this same pool of intellectual property.
The partnership goes beyond fan created content. Disney plans to become a major customer of OpenAI by using its APIs to build new products and experiences across the company, including for Disney Plus, while also deploying ChatGPT internally for employees.
As part of the arrangement, Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and receive warrants that allow the company to purchase additional equity later.
Both companies described the deal as a commitment to responsible and creator centric AI. “Together, the companies will advance human centered AI that respects the creative industries and expands what is possible for storytelling,” Disney and OpenAI said. The agreement still requires final contracts, board approvals and standard closing conditions.
Disney CEO Bob Iger framed the partnership as a natural evolution for a company built on innovation. “Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,” Iger said.
“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.
“Bringing together Disney’s iconic stories and characters with OpenAI’s groundbreaking technology puts 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.”
OpenAI co founder and CEO Sam Altman echoed that sentiment. “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.
“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.”
Fans will also see curated Sora generated videos appear on Disney+. Disney and OpenAI will collaborate on new ways to integrate these models into the platform so subscribers can interact with characters and stories in fresh and imaginative ways.
Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin generating Disney-inspired creations in early 2026. For fans, creators and the industry, this partnership marks a fascinating new step as AI and storytelling continue to converge.
Source: Variety