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Disney Invests $1 Billion in OpenAI and Licenses 200+ Characters for Sora

The three-year pact makes Disney Sora’s first major studio licensor with limits that bar talent likenesses or voices.

Overview

  • Sora and ChatGPT Images will begin generating short videos and images using Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars IP in early 2026.
  • The license covers more than 200 animated, masked and creature characters plus costumes, props, vehicles and environments, excluding performer likenesses and voices.
  • Disney will become a major OpenAI customer, using APIs to build new products for Disney+ and deploying ChatGPT for employees.
  • A curated selection of user-created Sora videos featuring Disney characters will be available to stream on Disney+.
  • Disney’s equity stake includes warrants for additional OpenAI shares, the companies pledged “responsible” safeguards, and the deal awaits board and corporate approvals.