On the evening of December 11, 2025, The Walt Disney Company made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing that it had reached a significant agreement with OpenAI. Per the terms of this deal, Disney is set to invest a hefty $1 billion in OpenAI. In return, Disney will assume the role of the inaugural major content - licensing partner for OpenAI's short - form generative AI video platform, Sora.

As part of a three - year licensing pact, users of the Sora platform will gain the ability to craft short videos. They'll have access to a vast roster of over 200 characters hailing from iconic Disney franchises, including Disney itself, Marvel, Pixar, and the Star Wars universe. The video assets available for use will encompass a wide range of elements, such as the characters themselves, their distinctive costumes, various props, vehicles, and even the signature scene environments that fans have come to love.

Moreover, Disney plans to take full advantage of OpenAI's API. This will enable the company to develop a host of new products, tools, and immersive experiences. Among these are offerings tailored for Disney+, and internally, the company will deploy ChatGPT for its employees to enhance productivity and creativity.

The two entities will also embark on a collaborative journey to explore uncharted territories in the realm of imaginative storytelling. Looking ahead, it's anticipated that starting in early 2026, Sora and ChatGPT Images will be capable of generating highly creative video content. This content will be centered around Disney's multi - brand licensed characters, much to the delight of fans worldwide.