Disney and OpenAI Strike Landmark Licensing Deal, Bringing Beloved Characters to Generative AI Platforms
Disney will use OpenAI’s APIs to build new products, tools, and experiences, including for its streaming service, Disney+, and will also deploy ChatGPT for its employees.
RMN Stars Business Desk
New Delhi | December 11, 2025
The Walt Disney Company and OpenAI announced today (December 11) a landmark agreement, making Disney the first major content licensing partner for Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative AI video platform. This three-year licensing agreement brings together these industry leaders to unlock new possibilities in imaginative storytelling.
Under the agreement, Sora will be capable of generating short, user-prompted social videos, and ChatGPT Images will be able to turn user prompts into fully generated images in seconds. The generative AI will draw from a set of more than 200 animated, masked, and creature characters, including costumes, props, vehicles, and iconic environments, from across Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars brands.
Characters available for fan creations will include Mickey Mouse, Darth Vader, Iron Man, and figures from worlds like Frozen, Up, and Moana. Importantly, the agreement explicitly states that it does not include any talent likenesses or voices.
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Alongside the licensing deal, Disney is set to become a major customer of OpenAI. Disney will use OpenAI’s APIs to build new products, tools, and experiences, including for its streaming service, Disney+, and will also deploy ChatGPT for its employees. The agreement also includes a significant financial component, with Disney committing to a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI, along with receiving warrants to purchase additional equity.
Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, emphasized the careful approach to this technological shift: “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.”
Sam Altman, co-founder and CEO of OpenAI, expressed excitement about the partnership: “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.”
Both companies are affirming a shared commitment to the responsible use of AI, protecting user safety, and respecting the rights of creators. OpenAI has committed to implementing responsible measures to address trust and safety, including age-appropriate policies.
The collaboration aims to advance human-centered AI that respects creative industries and expands what is possible for storytelling. Furthermore, Disney and OpenAI will collaborate to use OpenAI’s models to power new experiences for Disney+ subscribers.
Curated selections of Sora-generated videos will be viewable on Disney+, with fan-inspired videos featuring the licensed multi-brand characters expected to begin generation in early 2026. The transaction remains subject to the negotiation of definitive agreements and required corporate and board approvals.
