Major Talent Agency Pulls All Clients from OpenAI's Sora 2 Over Unauthorized Use of Celebrity Likenesses and Copyrighted Characters

Oct 10, 2025
The Hollywood Reporter via Yahoo Entertainment
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Summary

Major talent agency WME pulls all clients from OpenAI's Sora 2 video generator after the AI tool creates hyperrealistic videos featuring copyrighted characters like SpongeBob and Pokémon without permission, prompting CEO Sam Altman to promise better controls for rightsholders amid growing Hollywood backlash.

Key Points

  • WME opts out all clients from OpenAI's Sora 2 video tool due to concerns over unauthorized use of intellectual property and celebrity likenesses
  • Sora 2 generates hyperrealistic videos featuring copyrighted characters from major franchises like SpongeBob SquarePants, Pokémon, and Grand Theft Auto without permission
  • OpenAI CEO Sam Altman promises more granular controls for rightsholders after Hollywood backlash, positioning the technology as interactive fan fiction opportunity

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