Disney signed a three-year licensing deal that turns OpenAI’s Sora into the first consumer tool where fans can stage cross-universe shorts starring Marvel heroes, Pixar casts, Star Wars icons, and classic animation. Sora clips created through the program will be viewable and shareable across social channels, while Disney+ will carry curated playlists of the best fan-made scenes.

The agreement also makes Disney a marquee OpenAI customer. Executives said they plan to lean on OpenAI’s APIs to build new personalization layers for Disney+, prototype immersive park previews, and roll out ChatGPT to employees as an internal research aide. Disney is taking a $1 billion equity stake in OpenAI with warrants for more shares if the partnership hits product milestones.

Both companies drafted guardrails that block the model from mimicking performer likenesses or voices and require safety reviews before entire franchises are unlocked. Robert Iger called the move “a thoughtful extension of Disney storytelling through generative AI,” while Sam Altman framed it as proof that creative owners can share IP with AI labs without giving up control.

Fans will need to wait until early 2026 for the program to fully launch, pending final board approvals and technical integration. When it does, users will be able to stitch scenes by describing costumes, props, or environments, while ChatGPT Images will support still renders for those same worlds.

Studios, unions, and rival tech platforms are watching closely: Disney’s bet suggests incumbents would rather shape the generative market directly than wage endless legal fights. If the rollout stays on schedule, it could establish the template for how premium IP holders charge for AI-native creativity while keeping licensing revenue in-house.