The Sora Video Platform is now at the center of a major new partnership between Disney and OpenAI. This deal comes on the heels of Disney’s announcement to license more than 200 characters to the AI video tool as part of a $1 billion equity investment. This agreement marks one of the largest collaborations between a Hollywood studio and an AI developer. It sets the stage for a new way for fans to interact with Disney properties.
Under the deal, Sora will be able to generate short user-created videos, featuring officially licensed characters from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars. These characters will appear in new AI-generation scenes created through the platform, though they won’t use original voice recordings or actor likeness rights. Disney also plans to curate a limited selection of these Sora Video Platform skits for possible display on Disney+. This gives the company control over how characters appear on its streaming service.
What the Licensing Agreement Includes
The licensing agreement runs for three years and grants OpenAI permission to use Disney-owned characters within the Sora Video Platform. It doesn’t give access to copyrighted film footage, archived audio, or original scripts. Disney will continue to monitor and approve how characters are presented to ensure their use aligns with studio standards. Nothing lewd, inappropriate or un-family-friendly will be allowed.
The partnership also introduces internal use of OpenAI systems within Disney. Employees have access to tools that assist with office operations, research, and early-stage planning for creative projects. Disney has stated that these tools are meant to support existing teams rather than replace the creative work by artists and writers.
How Disney Fans Will Use the Sora Video Platform
Disney characters are expected to become available within the Sora Video Platform starting in early 2026. Once enabled, fans can generate short clips featuring characters like Mickey Mouse, Moana, Iron Man, Elsa, and other based on simple text prompts. These clips will go through moderation to prevent misleading content.
Some Sora-generated videos may appear later on Disney+. Any selected content will be reviewed and approved by Disney, ensuring the platform doesn’t become a source of chaotic, unfiltered, or unofficial material. This approach lets fans participate creatively while preserving the integrity and family-friendliness of the Disney brands.
Disney’s Approach to Copyright and Safety
Disney remains active in protecting its intellectual property across the technology sector. In recent months, the company has issued legal notices to several organizations accused of using Disney-owned material to train AI models without authorization. The Sora partnership established a licensed system for character use, reducing the potential for unapproved or harmful content featuring beloved Disney characters.
Safety rules will be built into the Sora Video Platform. The companies plan to limit violent or misleading scenarios, restrict impersonation, and prevent political content involving Disney characters. These controls help maintain clarity for viewers and protect the distinction between official productions and fan-generated clips.
Why This Deal Matters for Both Companies
This agreement places Disney among the first major entertainment studios to formally integrate its characters into a generative AI video tool. It also positions Disney as a key investor in OpenAI at a time when the entertainment industry is still debating how to balance creative innovation with intellectual property protection.
For fans, the partnership offers a new way to create content with familiar characters. For Disney, the Sora Video Platform provides a controlled environment to explore how AI can support creativity, streamline workflow, and expand viewer engagement. The coming year will show how effectively both companies can manage this balance as the rollout begins. Together, Disney and OpenAI are treating this launch as the start of a long-term experiment in how audiences and studios can interact through AI tools.