Disney Invests $1B in OpenAI, Unlocking Creative Potential for Fans

Disney has entered a groundbreaking partnership with OpenAI, investing $1 billion (£746.8 million) in a three-year equity investment and licensing agreement. Announced on December 11, 2025, this collaboration allows OpenAI’s video generation platform, Sora, to access over 200 characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. This initiative enables fans to create short, user-prompted social videos, enriching their interactions with beloved characters.

The licensing agreement, confirmed by both companies, aims to revolutionize how fans engage with Disney’s rich storytelling heritage. Through Sora, fans will have the opportunity to bring iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Elsa, and Spider-Man to life, fostering a new form of interactive storytelling. A selection of these fan-generated videos will be featured on Disney+, enhancing the platform’s content offerings.

In a statement on The Walt Disney Company’s official website, Sam Altman, OpenAI co-founder and CEO, emphasized the significance of this partnership. He stated, “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.” Altman highlighted the collaboration as a model for how AI companies and creative leaders can work together to promote innovation while respecting the importance of creativity.

With Sora, fans will be empowered to generate videos using simple text instructions, providing an immediate and engaging way to explore storytelling. This initiative is seen as a pivotal moment for both the AI and entertainment industries, allowing fans to showcase their creativity in official Disney projects. The prospect of having their work curated on Disney+ adds an exciting dimension to this partnership.

To ensure the responsible use of AI, both companies have established safeguards to protect the rights of key performers and creators. Sora and ChatGPT will be restricted from generating harmful or illegal content, reinforcing Disney’s commitment to ethical practices in its use of AI technology.

The features of this partnership are set to be rolled out in early 2026, with Sora’s access to Disney’s vast character library expanding over time. This collaboration illustrates how AI is shaping the future of entertainment, providing fans with a personalized experience that alters their perception of cherished stories.

Robert A. Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, noted the importance of technological innovation in the evolution of entertainment. He remarked, “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.”

This transformative agreement between Disney and OpenAI not only enhances fan engagement but also marks a significant chapter in the intersection of technology and creativity. By harnessing AI, Disney is enabling a new generation of storytellers to interact with its iconic characters, fostering a vibrant community of creativity and imagination.