Disney has struck a groundbreaking $1 billion deal with OpenAI that lets fans create their own short videos starring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Iron Man, and Buzz Lightyear using artificial intelligence.
The three-year partnership announced December 11, 2025, allows OpenAI’s Sora video generator to use more than 200 Disney characters from across its entertainment empire. This includes favorites from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars franchises. Fans can now insert themselves into a lightsaber fight with Darth Vader or create a birthday party video with Buzz Lightyear.
Sora creates 10-second vertical videos from simple text instructions and adds synchronized audio. Users can start with existing images or videos to make new content. The AI tool works through ChatGPT Plus subscriptions at $20 monthly for basic access, while the Pro version costs $200 monthly for longer and higher-quality videos.
The character library spans Disney’s biggest hits. Classic Disney characters like Ariel, Belle, and Simba join Pixar stars from Toy Story, Frozen, and Monsters Inc. Marvel heroes including Black Panther, Captain America, and Groot team up with Star Wars icons like Han Solo and Stormtroopers. The deal covers costumes, props, and vehicles but strictly excludes real actor voices or likenesses.
Disney CEO Bob Iger explained that rapid AI advancement requires participation rather than sitting on the sidelines. He emphasized the partnership respects creators while expanding storytelling through responsible AI use. This comes after Disney previously sent a cease-and-desist letter to Google over copyright concerns. Disney will leverage OpenAI’s APIs to develop new products and experiences beyond just character access.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noted that demand for Disney characters in Sora has been “off the charts.”
Before this official partnership, Sora users were already creating Disney-style content, often with dark humor and edgy spoofs that pushed copyright boundaries. The new deal aims to channel this creativity through proper licensing and moderation. Since Disney trades on the NYSE during regular trading hours Monday through Friday, any market reaction to this announcement will be reflected when stock trading resumes.
Starting in early 2026, curated fan-made Sora videos will appear on Disney+, giving creators a platform to showcase their AI-generated shorts. Users can access Sora through the App Store, Google Play, sora.com, or ChatGPT subscriptions, making it widely available for aspiring digital storytellers everywhere.
