Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS, XETRA:WDP) has announced a $1 billion investment in OpenAI, marking a major collaboration between the entertainment giant and the AI developer.
The partnership includes a three-year licensing agreement allowing OpenAI’s Sora generative AI video platform to feature more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises.
Under the agreement, fans will be able to generate and share short videos using characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Luke Skywalker, and Darth Vader through text prompts. Talent likenesses and voices are excluded from the license.
Sora- and ChatGPT-generated Disney content is expected to become available in early 2026.
Selected user-generated content will also be featured on Disney+, while Disney plans to deploy OpenAI’s ChatGPT for employees and incorporate its technology into new products and experiences.
“Through this collaboration with OpenAI we will thoughtfully extend the reach of our storytelling while respecting and protecting creators and their works,” Disney CEO Robert Iger said in a statement. “Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories.”
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described the deal as an example of responsible collaboration between AI companies and creative leaders. “This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society and helps works reach vast new audiences,” Altman said.
Shares of Disney traded up 1.3% at about $110 on the announcement.