Disney Invests $1 Billion in OpenAI and Signs a Comprehensive Licensing Agreement with Sora
The Walt Disney Company announced a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI alongside a three-year licensing agreement that makes Disney the first major content licensing partner on Sora, OpenAI’s short-form generative video platform—bringing together two global leaders in creativity and technological innovation.
Under the agreement, Sora will be able to generate short, user-prompted social videos using more than 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars, including costumes, props, vehicles, and iconic environments, while explicitly excluding talent likenesses or voices. A curated selection of these fan-generated videos will also be available for streaming on Disney+.
Disney will additionally become a major OpenAI customer, using its APIs to build new products, tools, and experiences—including for Disney+—and deploying ChatGPT internally for employees. As part of the agreement, Disney will make a $1 billion equity investment and receive warrants for additional future equity purchases.
Both companies reaffirmed a shared commitment to the responsible and safe use of AI, including measures to protect users, respect creator rights, prevent harmful content, and uphold strong controls over the use of IP and likeness. Sora and ChatGPT Images are expected to begin generating Disney-licensed fan content in early 2026.
Robert A. Iger, CEO of Disney, stated:
“Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment… Bringing together Disney’s iconic stories and characters with OpenAI’s groundbreaking technology puts imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans…”
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, added:
“Disney is the global gold standard for storytelling… This agreement shows how AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly…”
