Under the licensing agreement, users will be able to generate videos and images featuring more than 200 Disney characters on OpenAI’s Sora and ChatGPT platforms
AI users will soon be able to create licensed videos and images featuring Marvel superheroes, Star Wars Jedi, and classic Disney icons including Mickey Mouse.
Disney has signed a three-year agreement with OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, to become the first major content licensing partner for the tech firm’s Sora video platform.
Sora lets users create short-form video content using generative AI. Under the agreement, they will be able to prompt AI to make videos featuring more than 200 Disney characters from brands including Star Wars, Marvel and Pixar. It will also allow for the creation of images on ChatGPT using the same IP.
Among the characters fans will be able to use in their creations are Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Lilo and Stitch, characters from Frozen, Moana, Monsters Inc., and Toy Story, plus iconic animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm characters like Iron Man and Darth Vader.
Bob Iger, CEO, The Walt Disney Company, said: “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.”
As part of the deal, Disney will also make a $1bn equity investment in OpenAI and become a major customer of its AI platforms. This includes internal use of its APIs to create new tools and giving staff access to ChatGPT. The companies will also look to integrate AI in Disney+ to “power new experiences” for viewers, as well as surfacing user-generated content from Sora across the streaming platform.
Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, said: “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.”
AI users will be able to begin creating Disney content in early 2026.
