Disney and OpenAI reach an agreement that enables Sora to produce AI videos using its characters

Disney Signs Three-Year Partnership With OpenAI, Invests $1 Billion

The Walt Disney Company has announced a major new partnership with OpenAI, marking one of the entertainment giant’s biggest moves into artificial intelligence. As part of the three-year agreement, Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI and integrate its iconic characters into the company’s AI-powered video generator, Sora.

Launched in September, Sora allows users to create short videos using simple text prompts. With the new deal, creators will be able to use more than 200 Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars characters, along with costumes, props, vehicles, and other assets. This includes beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Baymax, and Simba, as well as heroes and villains like Black Panther, Iron Man, Deadpool, Groot, Darth Vader, Han Solo, and Stormtroopers.

Users will also be able to generate visuals featuring these characters inside ChatGPT Images, expanding creative possibilities across the platform. Disney clarified that the agreement does not include real actor likenesses or voices.

Disney CEO Bob Iger called the moment a significant step in the evolution of storytelling. “The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry,” he said. “Through this collaboration with OpenAI, we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling while respecting and protecting creators and their works.”

As part of the partnership, Disney will also become a major OpenAI customer, using its APIs to develop new products, tools, and experiences — including future updates for Disney+.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said the agreement shows how creative and AI industries can work together responsibly. “Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling,” he said. “This partnership expands the way people create and experience great content.”

The move is notable given Disney’s past legal actions against AI companies. The studio previously sued Midjourney for allegedly violating its intellectual property rights and sent a cease-and-desist letter to Character.AI for hosting AI-generated Disney characters on its platform. Despite those disputes, the OpenAI agreement signals that Disney remains open to AI collaborations when done with proper licensing and control.

The partnership is expected to reshape how Disney content is created, shared, and experienced as AI continues to transform the entertainment landscape.