The Walt Disney Company has announced an agreement with OpenAI to bring Disney characters to Sora, OpenAI's short-form generative AI video platform.
As part of the three-year licensing agreement, Sora will be able to generate short, user-prompted social videos that can be viewed and shared by fans.
Users on Sora will have access to more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters, including costumes, props, vehicles and environments.
Also, ChatGPT Images will be able to turn users' words into fully generated images in seconds, drawing from the same IPs.
"Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world," said Bob Iger, CEO of the Walt Disney Company.
"The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence marks an important moment for our industry, and through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI, while respecting and protecting creators and their works.
"Bringing together Disney’s iconic stories and characters with OpenAI’s groundbreaking technology puts imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans in ways we’ve never seen before, giving them richer and more personal ways to connect with the Disney characters and stories they love."
Storytelling through generative AI
Disney will become the first major content licensing partner on Sora, and as part of the deal will make a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI.
"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 Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI.
"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."
Users are expected to be able to start making videos and images with Disney's characters in Sora and ChatGPT from early 2026.
Characters on the platforms will include Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba and Mufasa.
Users will also be able to create content with characters from Frozen, Encanto, Inside Out, Moana, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up and Zootopia.
Under the license, fans will be able to watch curated selections of Sora-generated videos on Disney+.
Images courtesy of Disney
