Disney invests $1 nillion in OpenAI, bringing Mickey Mouse, Marvel heroes and more to Sora

Disney is partnering to bring over 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters to Sora

In one of the biggest entertainment–tech deals of the decade, Disney has announced a $1 billion investment in OpenAI, forging a landmark partnership that will bring hundreds of Disney-owned characters into the world of generative AI.

Disney revealed a three-year licensing agreement that makes it the first major content partner for Sora, OpenAI’s advanced AI video and image generation platform. As part of the deal, more than 200 characters and creative elements from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars will become available for fans to use in AI-generated videos and images beginning in early 2026.

This means that iconic figures like Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Iron Man, Woody, Yoda, Darth Vader and many more will be officially licensed for use within AI-driven creative tools. The companies emphasized that the agreement applies only to animated or illustrated characters, not to real actor likenesses or voices, ensuring performer identities remain protected.

In addition to content licensing, Disney will integrate OpenAI’s technology, including ChatGPT and future models, across its internal workflows and consumer platforms. The company plans to develop new AI-powered tools and creative experiences for its streaming services, theme parks and consumer products.

A curated selection of user-generated Sora videos created with Disney characters will eventually appear on Disney+, marking a new era of interactive, fan-driven storytelling.

Disney CEO Bob Iger called the partnership a major strategic step in bringing Disney storytelling into the age of generative AI, describing the move as both innovative and responsible. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted the collaboration as a model for how entertainment companies and AI developers can work together while respecting creative rights.

The partnership is seen as a turning point for Hollywood’s relationship with artificial intelligence. After years of uncertainty, including industry-wide strikes and debates over AI in filmmaking, Disney’s decision signals a powerful vote of confidence in AI-assisted creativity.

It also positions Sora to become a leading platform for fans to create personalised content using some of the world’s most beloved characters.