Disney Makes Historic $1 Billion Investment Into AI Video

On Thursday, Disney announced that it would be "the first major content licensing partner" to join Sora, OpenAI's video generation platform. OpenAI is the company that created and operated ChatGPT, and is considered the leader in AI developments.

A joint statement from both Disney and OpenAI says that over 200 characters from franchises like "Star Wars" and the Marvel universe, as well as several other Disney and Pixar characters will be usable. Costumes, props, vehicles and environments will be available for use, allowing users to create detailed videos with simple prompts.

The agreement does not include the likenesses of voices or talent, and in more than 200 characters that have been announced, Disney has described them as " animated, masked and creature characters."

Which Characters Will Be Allowed for Use?

Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Lilo, Stitch, Ariel, Belle, Beast, Cinderella, Baymax, Simba and Mufasa have been announced as some of the characters that will be available for use on Sora, as well as characters from beloved films like "Toy Story," "Monsters Inc.," "Frozen" and "Moana."

Disney also announced that it would make a $1 billion investment into OpenAI, describing itself as a "major customer" of the artificial intelligence company.

Disney will make a $1 billion investment in OpenAI and will allow its characters to be used in the Sora AI video generator pic.twitter.com/2AX196T9fm

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) December 11, 2025

"Under the agreement, Disney and OpenAI are affirming a shared commitment to the responsible use of AI that protects user safety and the rights of creators," the companies said in their shared statement.

"Together, the companies will advance human-centered AI that respects the creative industries and expands what is possible for storytelling."

When Will Users Experience the Update?

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told CNBC that no specific launch date has been set for the Disney integration into Sora, but that "we'll try to get it in there as soon as we can." The joint statement from the two companies mentioned "early 2026" as a target date.

Disney CEO Robert Iger mentioned the importance of "respecting and protecting creators and their works," and says that Disney intends to "thoughtfully and responsibly extend the reach of our storytelling through generative AI."

"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," Iger said.

Altman referred to Disney as the "gold standard for storytelling," and said that the agreement between the two companies is a sign of what's possible in a world that embraces AI.

"AI companies and creative leaders can work together responsibly to promote innovation that benefits society, respect the importance of creativity, and help works reach vast new audiences," the CEO said.