The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI have announced a three-year licensing agreement that will allow OpenAI’s Sora platform to generate short, user-prompted social videos featuring over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. These videos can be viewed and shared by fans, with some selections becoming available for streaming on Disney+.
The deal positions Disney as the first major content licensing partner for Sora, OpenAI’s generative AI video tool. The agreement also allows ChatGPT Images to create fully generated images based on brief user prompts using Disney intellectual property. However, the arrangement does not cover talent likenesses or voices.
Disney will become a significant customer of OpenAI by utilizing its APIs to develop new products and experiences, including enhancements for Disney+, and by deploying ChatGPT internally for employees. As part of the collaboration, Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI and receive warrants to purchase additional equity.
Both companies have emphasized their commitment to responsible use of artificial intelligence. They plan to implement measures that protect user safety and creator rights. “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, added: “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.”
Under this license agreement, curated Sora-generated videos will be available on Disney+. Both companies will collaborate on using OpenAI models to power new features for Disney+ subscribers. Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to start generating fan-inspired videos featuring licensed multi-brand characters in early 2026.
OpenAI has agreed to maintain industry-leading trust-and-safety practices across its services. Both organizations have committed to robust controls preventing illegal or harmful content generation while respecting content owners’ rights related to model outputs as well as individuals’ control over their voice or likeness.
The transaction is subject to final agreements, board approvals, and other closing conditions.
Disney reported annual revenue of $94.4 billion in fiscal year 2025.
