Disney strikes major deal with OpenAI to bring its characters to Sora

Disney is taking a bold step into the AI era with a new partnership aimed at reshaping how fans interact with its stories.

According to Variety, The Walt Disney Company has reached a three-year licensing agreement with OpenAI that will bring Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars characters to Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative AI video platform.

The deal marks the first time Disney has licensed its vast library of intellectual property to an AI platform. Under the agreement, Sora users will be able to create short, custom videos featuring more than 200 characters, costumes, props, vehicles and famous environments from across Disney’s franchises. The companies say the collaboration is designed to “unlock new possibilities in imaginative storytelling.”

ChatGPT Images will also gain access to the same library, allowing users to turn a short prompt into a fully generated image within seconds.

As part of the partnership, Disney will invest $1 billion in OpenAI and receive warrants to buy additional equity. Both sides note the investment is still subject to final agreements and board approvals.

Disney emphasised that the deal does not include any actor likenesses or voices. OpenAI also will not be allowed to train its models using Disney’s IP, and Sora accounts will remain separate from Disney and Disney+ accounts.

Disney says the move positions the company to experiment with AI responsibly while giving fans a fresh way to play with its most iconic worlds.