TL;DR

Walt Disney Company and OpenAI have announced a landmark three-year licensing agreement allowing Sora to generate short videos featuring over 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters. Disney will also invest $1 billion in OpenAI and deploy ChatGPT across its workforce.

A First for AI Content Licensing

The agreement marks the first time a major entertainment company has licensed its intellectual property for generative AI video creation at this scale. Sora will be able to create user-prompted social videos featuring characters from animated, masked, and creature categories, though the deal excludes talent likenesses and voices.

Starting in early 2026, fans will be able to create content featuring characters including Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader, Iron Man, Elsa, and many more. Selected AI-generated videos will also be available to stream on Disney+.

“Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment,” said Disney CEO Robert Iger. “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.”

Strategic Investment and Enterprise Adoption

Beyond licensing, Disney will become a major OpenAI customer, using APIs to build new products and experiences for Disney+, while rolling out ChatGPT to employees. The $1 billion equity investment includes warrants for additional purchases.

Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO, described the partnership as demonstrating “how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society.”

Looking Forward

Both companies have committed to responsible AI use, including age-appropriate policies and controls to prevent harmful content generation. The deal sets a potential template for how entertainment companies might approach AI licensing whilst protecting creator rights and brand integrity.

Source: OpenAI