OpenAI Secures Major Licensing Deal with Disney for Sora Short Video App
OpenAI has signed its first major licensing deal to bring Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters to life on its Sora short video app. The arrangement includes a significant $1 billion investment from Disney in OpenAI. As part of the deal, Disney will roll out ChatGPT to its staff to enhance internal operations.
The initial license spans three years and covers more than 200 iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, and Luke Skywalker. Sora users will be able to generate and share videos from text prompts, with some user-created videos featured on Disney+. The partnership aims to promote responsible AI use while protecting creators' rights amid ongoing concerns regarding copyright, misinformation, and misuse.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, highlighted that the deal demonstrates how AI firms and creative leaders can collaborate to foster innovation and expand audiences. Disney CEO Bob Iger noted that the license extends the reach of storytelling while safeguarding creators and their works. Moreover, Disney will hold an equity stake in OpenAI to ensure that the characters are used within a controlled environment.
The announcement of this partnership was made on 11 December 2025.
