In an interesting turn of events, the Walt Disney Company has struck a major three-year partnership with OpenAI that will bring characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars into the generative AI space. Under the agreement, OpenAI’s AI video tool Sora will be licensed to create short, user-prompted videos featuring more than 200 characters from Disney’s entertainment universes.
The deal, announced today, December 11, 2025, includes a $1 billion investment from Disney into OpenAI and makes Disney the first major content partner for Sora (a text-to-video generation platform developed by the AI research company). Disney also plans to use OpenAI’s technology, including ChatGPT and related application programming interfaces (APIs), to develop new tools and experiences across its business. This will include features for the Disney+ streaming service.
This news comes after Disney filed lawsuits against other companies for doing the same thing, claiming copyright infringement. They also sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google over copyright infringement on a “massive scale” for offering Disney IP “using AI models and services to “commercially exploit and distribute” infringing images and videos.”
What Fans Can Expect With Sora and Disney Characters
The licensing agreement allows Sora users to generate short AI-driven videos that include characters from Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and Pixar properties. These AI-generated clips will begin rolling out in early 2026, subject to licensing and technical preparations.
However, the agreement does not include rights to use actors’ likenesses or voice performances, meaning Sora creations will incorporate the iconic look of characters but not the official voices.
A portion of user-generated videos created with Disney characters on Sora is also slated to be made available for streaming on Disney+, giving subscribers more ways to engage on the platform.
Disney CEO Bob Iger offered this statement on the deal,
Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world. 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.”
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also gave a statement saying,
“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.”
Expect these new Sora experiences to roll out in early 2026.
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