Fictional characters are (officially) coming to Sora as OpenAI manages copyright chaos
Key Points
- Sora will allow copyrighted fictional character cameos in AI‑generated videos.
- Bill Peebles says character cameos are "on the roadmap" with details coming soon.
- Sam Altman shifts from an opt‑out to a more controlled copyright policy.
- Right‑holders will receive "more granular control" over the use of their properties.
- A revenue‑sharing model for character usage is expected to launch shortly.
- OpenAI acknowledges the need for trial and error to finalize the payment system.
OpenAI’s Sora team is preparing to allow copyrighted fictional characters in AI‑generated videos. Bill Peebles, head of Sora, said character cameos are “on the roadmap,” while CEO Sam Altman announced a shift from the previous opt‑out policy toward tighter right‑holder controls and a forthcoming revenue‑sharing model. The changes aim to give creators more granular control over the use of their intellectual property in Sora’s video generation platform.
Background
OpenAI’s video‑generation tool, Sora, has faced ongoing challenges related to the unauthorized use of copyrighted characters. Since its launch, the platform has been used to create videos featuring popular fictional figures without permission, prompting concerns from right‑holders.
New Policy Direction
Bill Peebles, the leader of the Sora team at OpenAI, stated that fictional character appearances in videos, known as cameos, are “on the roadmap.” He indicated that more details will be released “soon,” suggesting a sanctioned method for using copyrighted characters on the platform.
CEO Sam Altman recently pivoted from the company’s earlier opt‑out copyright policy. Altman promised “more granular control” for right‑holders, likening the upcoming approach to the existing opt‑in model for using personal likenesses, but with added safeguards.
Potential Revenue Sharing
Altman also hinted that a form of revenue sharing with right‑holders whose characters are used will “start very soon.” He cautioned that the exact payment model will likely require “trial and error to figure out,” indicating that OpenAI is still refining the financial terms.
The announced changes aim to balance creative freedom on Sora with the protection of intellectual property, offering a more structured framework for the use of well‑known fictional characters in AI‑generated content.