Disney and OpenAI agree Sora licence, and $1bn investment
The three-year deal lets users on Sora generate short fan videos using an IP catalogue of more than 200 characters.
The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI have reached a three-year licensing agreement that will let Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative AI video platform, create short, user-prompted social videos drawing on more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars.
OpenAI said in a statement the licence covers characters, costumes, props, vehicles and iconic environments but excludes talent likenesses and voices.
The company added that curated selections of Sora-generated videos will be available to stream on Disney+.
As part of the deal, Disney will become a major OpenAI customer, using OpenAI’s APIs to build products and experiences including for Disney+, and deploying ChatGPT for employees.
OpenAI said Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment and receive warrants to purchase additional equity.
“Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,” said Disney CEO Bob Iger.
OpenAI said it will maintain and expand safety measures, including age-appropriate policies and controls, and both companies affirmed commitments to prevent illegal or harmful content and to respect creators’ and individuals’ rights.
Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin generating fan-inspired videos with Disney’s licensed characters in early 2026.
“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,” OpenAI boss Sam Altman added.
The Recap
- Disney and OpenAI struck a three-year licensing agreement.
- Agreement covers more than 200 characters across multiple brands.
- Sora and ChatGPT Images expected to launch in early 2026.
