Disney invests $1 billion in OpenAI and licenses 200 characters for Sora

Disney has invested $1 billion in OpenAI and licensed 200 characters for OpenAI’s AI video app Sora, allowing users to generate short videos featuring characters such as Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader, Iron Man and Simba, and characters from Frozen, Inside Out, Toy Story, and The Mandalorian.

The deal covers costumes, props, vehicles and environments, and the ChatGPT image generator will also gain official access to the same intellectual property. What’s changing, the report said, is that OpenAI will allow Disney-related content generated by its AI models to officially pass through its content moderation filters and reach the user, sanctioned by Disney.

The agreement does not include any talent likenesses or voices. Disney and OpenAI said they have committed to "maintaining robust controls to prevent the generation of illegal or harmful content" and to "respect the rights of individuals to appropriately control the use of their voice and likeness." OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the deal a model for collaboration, saying, "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." On Disney’s end, the company plans to deploy ChatGPT for employees and use OpenAI’s technology to build new features for Disney+.

A curated selection of fan-made Sora videos will stream on Disney+ starting in early 2026.

Key Topics

Tech, Openai, Disney, Sora, Chatgpt, Disney+