December 11, 2025 — The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced a strategic $1 billion investment in OpenAI, marking a major new collaboration between one of Hollywood’s most storied content creators and a leading artificial intelligence developer. The deal, unveiled Thursday, also includes a three-year licensing agreement that allows OpenAI to use more than 200 characters from Disney’s extensive portfolio — including Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar and classic Disney franchises — within OpenAI’s AI tools such as Sora and ChatGPT Images.
Under the agreement, users of Sora — OpenAI’s short-form AI video generation platform — will be able to create and share custom clips featuring beloved characters such as Mickey Mouse, Iron Man, Darth Vader and Cinderella beginning in early 2026. ChatGPT will similarly support generation of character-based images. A selection of user-generated videos will be curated for viewing on Disney+ as part of an effort to bolster engagement on the company’s streaming service.
Disney will also receive warrants to purchase additional OpenAI equity as part of the investment and will integrate OpenAI’s technology, including ChatGPT, into internal workflows and consumer products across its business units.
The deal represents a notable shift for Disney, which previously refrained from large-scale AI partnerships and had pursued legal action against other AI firms for unauthorized use of its intellectual property. Both companies emphasized a commitment to responsible AI development that protects creative rights and user safety, while executives described the collaboration as a model for how technology and entertainment can coexist.
Industry analysts say the agreement could accelerate adoption of generative AI in mainstream media, offering new ways for fans to interact with iconic franchises and potentially reshaping content creation, distribution and audience engagement in the digital age.
