OpenAI’s short-form generative AI video platform, Sora, will now allow users to draw on more than 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars characters in their videos.
The three-year licensing agreement between Sora and The Walt Disney Company is considered a landmark deal, marking the first time a major entertainment company has provided an official and comprehensive licensing to a generative AI. Disney is now the first major licensing partner of Sora. According to the agreement, real actors’ faces and voices will not be part of the deal.
Fans will be able to use classic characters such as Mickey Mouse, Belle, Cinderella, and new ones like Moana, Elsa, Mike Wazowski and many more. Animated or illustrated versions of Marvel and Lucasfilm characters will also enhance fan engagement with characters such as Iron Man, Thor, Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker and Yoda taking part in fans’ videos.
The Walt Disney Company is also investing 1 billion dollars in OpenAI and will receive warrants to buy additional equity. CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Robert A. Iger commented on the agreement, saying: “Bringing together Disney’s iconic stories and characters with OpenAI’s groundbreaking technology puts imagination and creativity directly into the hands of Disney fans in ways we’ve never seen before, giving them richer and more personal ways to connect with the Disney characters and stories they love.”
Fans will be able to generate their own content at the beginning of 2026. Both companies are committed to the responsible use of AI and to preventing the generation of harmful content.
