The Walt Disney Company has struck a landmark three-year agreement with OpenAI that will open new doors for artificial intelligence-generated entertainment.
Under the deal, Disney will license more than 200 of its most beloved characters for use on OpenAI’s generative video platform, Sora, and its image tools. The pact also includes a $1 billion equity investment by Disney in the ChatGPT maker.
The agreement marks a dramatic shift in how a major Hollywood studio interacts with generative AI. It comes after months of tension between content owners and AI developers over the use of copyrighted material.
“The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry,” Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger said in a statement. “Through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling.”
Fan-Created Content and Streaming Plans
Starting in early 2026, users of Sora will be able to generate short, prompt-based videos featuring characters such as Mickey Mouse, Iron Man, Elsa, Darth Vader and many others from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars franchises.
The licensing deal does not include the voices or likenesses of actors, a distinction Disney stressed to avoid legal and labor disputes in Hollywood.
Some fan-made creations may be curated and streamed on Disney+, the company said. “We expect to bring a selection of these fan-inspired videos to audiences around the world,” a Disney spokesperson told reporters.
OpenAI said it will also integrate Disney assets into ChatGPT Images, enabling users to craft AI-generated still images with the same intellectual property.
“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,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
As part of the agreement, Disney will become a major customer of OpenAI’s technology. The media giant plans to use OpenAI’s APIs to build new tools, enhance Disney+ experiences, and deploy ChatGPT across parts of its workforce.
The deal has garnered a range of reactions across the entertainment industry. Some industry workers, particularly in creative fields, have expressed concern that AI could reshape traditional roles in storytelling and production. Disney, however, insists the partnership is “human-centric” and not meant to replace creative professionals.
Analysts say Disney’s investment not only secures powerful AI capabilities but also signals a broader evolution in how media companies approach artificial intelligence. The pact could set a precedent for future collaborations between creative content owners and AI developers.