11 December 2025
The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI have announced a groundbreaking partnership that has the potential to fundamentally change the entertainment industry. As part of a three-year licence agreement, OpenAI's platform Sora will be able to use over 200 iconic characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars to create short, user-generated videos. This content will be shared online and, in selected cases, published on Disney+ can be streamed.
Creativity meets AI technology
With Sora, fans can create short videos based on their own ideas in just a few seconds - supported by Disney's extensive licences for characters, costumes, props, vehicles and famous backdrops. In addition, the function ChatGPT Images make it possible to create fully generated images from simple text input, also using the Disney brands. However, voices and real images of actors are expressly excluded.
Strategic partnership and investment
In addition to the licence agreement, Disney will become a major customer of OpenAI, with AI technology to be integrated into new products, tools and employee applications, including Disney+. As part of the agreement, Disney is making a 1 billion dollar investment in OpenAI and also receives options to acquire further shares in the company.
Responsible use of AI
Both companies emphasise their commitment to a responsible approach to AI that protects the safety of users and upholds the rights of creatives. Disney CEO Robert A. Iger said: "The rapid development of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry. Through this collaboration, we can expand our stories in a new, interactive way while respecting the works of creators."
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman added: "Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling. With this partnership, Sora and ChatGPT Images can revolutionise the way people experience and create content."
Outlook
Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin producing fan-inspired content in early 2026. Fans can look forward to using characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Lilo & Stitch, Elsa, Simba, Baymax as well as iconic Marvel and Star Wars characters such as Iron Man, Thor, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and many more.
With this cooperation, Disney and OpenAI are setting a new standard for combining traditional storytelling with modern AI technology - a step that opens up both creative opportunities and new business models for the film and entertainment industry.