Disney is taking a bold step into the AI era — and letting fans play with some of its most famous characters in a way never seen before.

The entertainment giant has struck a landmark deal with OpenAI that will allow its new video tool, Sora, to generate short Disney-themed clips on demand. 

Fans will be able to type in a prompt and instantly produce videos featuring more than 200 characters from the Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars franchises.

Disney is plowing $1 billion into OpenAI, marking the first time a major Hollywood studio has opened its vault to generative video technology. 

Mickey Mouse, Ariel, Simba, Baymax, Black Panther, Loki, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers are among the figures allowed into the AI playground. Costumes, props, ships, castles and planets are also included. 

Users will not be able to unlock real actors' faces or voices, as only 'animated, masked and creature characters' are part of the deal.

Fans can play with animated versions of characters played by actors, including Captain America, Thor, Han Solo and Luke Skywalker. 

The company also plans to use ChatGPT across its business, including Disney+ and in internal tools for staff.

The two firms say the move will let fans create mini-movies and images that look like they came straight from Disney's animation labs. Early versions are expected to launch in 2026.

Disney+ subscribers will also see curated AI-generated shorts appear on the platform, and the two companies are developing new ways for viewers to interact with shows and characters using the tecnology.

Both firms insist the partnership will be 'responsible,' with safeguards to stop inappropriate content and protections for artists whose work underpins the characters.

'Technological innovation has continually shaped the evolution of entertainment, bringing with it new ways to create and share great stories with the world,' Disney CEO Bob Iger said in a statement.