Key takeaways
- Disney will license characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars on OpenAI’s Sora platform.
- Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and will use its AI tools for new digital experiences.
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The Walt Disney Company has entered into a multi-year agreement with OpenAI to become the first major content licensing partner for Sora, the generative video platform that creates short-form clips requested by users.
The agreement allows Sora and ChatGPT Images to generate fan-inspired content using more than 200 animated, masked characters and creatures from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars, as well as iconic props, vehicles and sets. The deal excludes likenesses and voice talent.
Along with the licensing agreement, Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI, receive warrants for additional capital, and use OpenAI’s APIs to create new tools and experiences for Disney Plus while deploying ChatGPT among its staff.
Both companies highlighted their shared commitment to responsible AI. They said the collaboration would respect the rights of creators, protect users and maintain strong safeguards against harmful or illegal content. OpenAI will continue to apply trust and security measures across all of its services.
As part of the agreement, videos curated and generated by Sora will appear on Disney+ and the two companies will work together to bring new interactive formats to subscribers. Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin generating fan-inspired content with Disney characters in early 2026.
