OpenAIDisney has reached a landmark agreement with OpenAI that will allow Sora to generate short user-prompted videos featuring more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars.
The companies confirmed the three-year licensing deal on Thursday, December 11. It positions Disney as the first major content partner for Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative video platform.
Sora will be able to produce fan-prompted social videos using animated, masked, and creature characters, along with costumes, props, vehicles, and iconic environments.
They have noted, however, that talent likenesses and voices are not included. A selection of these Sora-generated videos will also be available to stream on Disney+.
Disney becomes Sora’s first major content licensing partner
Disney and OpenAI also outlined a shared commitment to responsible AI practices, including safety measures, content controls, and respecting creator rights.
Alongside the licensing deal, Disney will become a major OpenAI customer. The company plans to use OpenAI APIs to build new products and tools, including features for Disney+, and deploy ChatGPT internally for employees.
As part of the agreement, Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional equity. The transaction is subject to board approvals and standard closing conditions.
DisneySora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin generating fan-inspired videos using Disney’s multi-brand characters in early 2026. Characters available to fans will include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba, and others from Encanto, Frozen, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, and Zootopia.
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Marvel and Lucasfilm characters such as Black Panther, Captain America, Deadpool, Groot, Iron Man, Loki, Thor, Thanos, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Leia, the Mandalorian, Stormtroopers, and Yoda will also be included.
Disney CEO Robert Iger said the collaboration extends the reach of the company’s storytelling through generative AI. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described Disney as a global benchmark for storytelling and said the partnership highlights how creative leaders and AI companies can work together responsibly.