The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI have reached a landmark agreement that will bring some of the world’s most recognisable fictional characters into the rapidly evolving space of generative artificial intelligence.
Under a three-year licensing deal, OpenAI’s short-form video platform Sora will be able to generate user-prompted social videos featuring more than 200 characters from across Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. These include figures such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo and Stitch, Ariel, Simba, Baymax, Iron Man, Black Panther, Darth Vader and Yoda, as well as iconic settings, props and vehicles from each universe. The agreement does not include the use of talent likenesses or voices.
Disney, OpenAI forge AI partnership
A selection of fan-inspired videos created using Sora will also be made available to stream on Disney+, marking the first time AI-generated content of this kind will appear on the company’s flagship platform. OpenAI and Disney will also collaborate on new experiences for Disney+ subscribers powered by OpenAI’s models.
Alongside the licensing arrangement, Disney will become a major customer of OpenAI, using its APIs to build new products, tools and internal capabilities, including the deployment of ChatGPT for employees. As part of the wider agreement, Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional equity.
The transaction remains subject to definitive agreements, corporate approvals and customary closing conditions.
Both companies said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to the responsible use of artificial intelligence, with safeguards designed to protect users and the rights of creators. OpenAI confirmed it will continue to apply age-appropriate policies and controls to prevent illegal or harmful content and to respect intellectual property, voices and likenesses.
“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 of The Walt Disney Company.
“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.”
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. 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.”
Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin generating fan-inspired content featuring Disney’s licensed characters in early 2026.
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