Los Angeles: The Walt Disney Company has announced a one billion dollar investment in OpenAI as part of a major new partnership that will allow Disney characters to appear in Sora, OpenAI’s artificial intelligence video tool. The deal marks one of the entertainment giant’s biggest steps into the fast growing world of AI driven storytelling.
Under a three year licensing agreement, more than two hundred well known characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars will be available for fans to use when creating short videos in Sora. Disney said some of these user generated videos may also be featured on Disney Plus, giving audiences a new way to interact with their favourite stories.
The agreement does not include the voices or likenesses of real actors but focuses on animated and illustrated characters from Disney’s vast library. The company stressed that the partnership follows strict guidelines on responsible use of AI and protection of creative rights.
Disney will also become a major customer of OpenAI. It plans to use tools such as ChatGPT and other OpenAI systems to support internal workflows and develop new digital products. The company said the collaboration is aimed at reimagining how stories are created and shared in the digital age.
The investment gives Disney the option to buy additional shares in OpenAI in the future. Industry analysts say the move highlights Disney’s efforts to strengthen its position in technology and attract younger digital audiences.
Both companies expect the first character integrations with Sora and ChatGPT image tools to roll out in early 2026 once all final approvals are completed.