Disney Unveils AI-Generated Character Videos for Upcoming Disney+ Launch
Disney CEO Bob Iger recently announced the introduction of AI-generated videos featuring cherished Disney characters on Disney+. This initiative is a result of the company’s pioneering partnership with OpenAI, signifying a substantial shift in how major studios are adopting generative AI technology.
As per the three-year licensing agreement announced in December 2025, OpenAI’s Sora video generator will empower users to create 30-second videos featuring an array of over 200 characters from Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. Notable characters include Mickey Mouse, Iron Man, Darth Vader, and characters from popular franchises like Frozen and Toy Story. A curated selection of these fan-created videos is set to appear on Disney+ in fiscal 2026.
Disney has invested a whopping $1 billion in OpenAI as part of the deal. The company plans to leverage OpenAI’s APIs to develop new products and experiences for Disney+ subscribers. The agreement, however, excludes talent likenesses and voices, focusing instead on animated, masked, and creature characters along with costumes, props, and iconic environments.
“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,” stated Iger. This move aligns with Disney’s strategy to capitalize on the explosive growth of short-form and user-generated content while maintaining control over its valuable intellectual property. In parallel, the company has issued cease-and-desist letters to competitors like Google over unauthorized AI-generated content using Disney characters.
Source: https://deadline.com/2026/02/disney-openai-sora-video-bob-iger-1236705948/