Soon you will be able to bring your favorite Disney, Marvel, Pixar, or Star Wars characters to life in stories you create yourself! That’s possible thanks to a landmark agreement between The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI. This partnership will empower fans to generate personalized, AI-powered short videos through Sora, OpenAI’s advanced generative video platform.
Unlocking Creative Power for Fans
For the first time, a major entertainment company is licensing its iconic characters for AI-driven user content. With over 200 characters, costumes, props, and environments available, Sora users can prompt the platform to produce unique, shareable short-form videos. These videos will draw from the expansive worlds of Disney classics, Marvel superheroes, Pixar favorites, and Star Wars legends, while protecting talent likenesses and voices.
Notably, curated fan-created videos will be streamed on Disney+, marking a new blend of user-generated and official content on a mainstream platform and opening exciting opportunities for fan engagement.
What to Expect Next
- Sora and ChatGPT Images will start generating Disney-themed content for fans in early 2026.
- Fans will have creative access to characters like Mickey Mouse, Marvel heroes, Pixar icons, and Star Wars legends.
- Disney+ will feature select AI-generated videos, merging official and fan-made content.
- The agreement is subject to final approvals and standard closing conditions.
Strategic Innovation and Investment
Disney’s commitment goes beyond licensing. The company will become a major OpenAI customer, integrating OpenAI’s APIs across Disney+ and digital products to develop new experiences. Internally, ChatGPT will support Disney employees, driving productivity and innovation.
Backing this vision, Disney is investing $1 billion in OpenAI and securing warrants for potential additional equity in a testament to its confidence in AI’s transformative power for entertainment.
Championing Responsible AI
Both companies are united in their dedication to responsible AI use. Rigorous controls will ensure user safety, uphold intellectual property, and protect creators’ rights. OpenAI will implement age-appropriate policies and enhance trust and safety standards, while both partners commit to preventing illegal or harmful content, and respecting individual voice and likeness rights.
This ethical approach aims to set a new industry standard, balancing technological innovation with the protection of creative and personal rights.
Expanding the Boundaries of Storytelling
Disney CEO Robert A. Iger underscores that AI will be applied “thoughtfully and responsibly,” enabling Disney’s storytelling to reach new heights. This partnership merges Disney’s creative legacy with OpenAI’s technology, giving fans more interactive and personalized ways to engage with beloved stories and characters.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlights the collaboration as an example for others, showing how AI and creative leaders can work together to foster innovation, respect creativity, and reach broader audiences.
Setting a New Standard for AI and Entertainment
The Disney and OpenAI partnership is set to redefine how audiences interact with iconic characters, combining advanced AI with the wonder of storytelling. With a strong emphasis on ethical standards and creative rights, this alliance establishes a new benchmark for responsible and innovative entertainment.
Source: OpenAI
Disney and OpenAI Partner to Transform Storytelling with AI Video Creation