Disney and OpenAI Reveal Landmark Agreement

The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI have reached a major three-year licensing agreement, making Disney the first significant content partner for Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative AI video platform, effective in early 2026. The deal grants Sora the ability to create short, user-generated videos and images featuring more than 200 characters, costumes, props, vehicles, and environments from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises.

“Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,” says Robert A. Iger, CEO, 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.”

Under the agreement, fans can create and share AI-generated videos using characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Ariel, Belle, Simba, Iron Man, Loki, Darth Vader, Yoda, and many others. In addition to short videos, the licensing terms cover visuals created through ChatGPT Images using the same intellectual property. The agreement does not include the use of any talent likenesses or voices.

“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,” says Sam Altman, Co-Founder and CEO of OpenAI. “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.”

The partnership also includes a $1 billion equity investment by Disney in OpenAI, with Disney receiving warrants to purchase additional equity as part of the arrangement. Disney will become a major customer of OpenAI’s technology, integrating OpenAI APIs to develop new tools and experiences, including capabilities for the Disney+ platform and internal use of ChatGPT.

A curated selection of fan-generated Sora videos will be made available to stream on Disney+, expanding how audiences can engage with the company’s storytelling. Both Disney and OpenAI have committed to responsible use of AI that protects user safety and creator rights while extending the reach of imaginative content and interactive experiences.

The agreement reflects a strategic shift in how entertainment companies collaborate with AI developers, blending official character IP with generative technologies to unlock new creative possibilities for fans worldwide.