Bob Iger promised to bring AI to Disney, and he didn’t wait long to make it happen. On Thursday, the company announced a major three-year partnership with OpenAI. This deal brings over 200 famous characters to ChatGPT and the Sora video app. Starting in early 2026, fans can use these tools to generate images and videos featuring official costumes, props, vehicles, and environments from massive franchises like Star Wars, Marvel, and Pixar.
You won’t have total freedom, however. The agreement explicitly protects real actors. You cannot prompt the app to use Scarlett Johansson’s likeness or voice for a Black Widow video. Instead, the AI will only generate animated or illustrated versions of characters like Captain America, Han Solo, Black Panther, and Darth Vader. This approach allows fans to play with Disney’s intellectual property without infringing on the rights of human talent.
Disney isn’t just handing over the keys; they plan to highlight the results. The company says it will pick the best fan-made Sora videos and stream a “curated selection” directly on Disney+. This turns the streaming platform into a showcase for community creativity alongside their professional blockbusters.
The business side of the deal is just as massive. Disney agreed to invest $1 billion in OpenAI, with the option to acquire additional equity later. They also plan to use OpenAI’s technology to build new internal products and experiences. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised the move, noting that it shows how tech and creative industries can work together responsibly to help stories reach new audiences.
This move comes as OpenAI restructures into a traditional profit-seeking corporation, likely preparing for a stock market launch in the near future. While the corporate gears turn, fans will have to wait until 2026 to start directing their own digital Jedi battles.
