OpenAI’s Plan To Revive Sora

Stephanie Palazzolo and Cory Weinberg report that a stealth filmmaker-focused AI video startup co-founded by Jeffrey Katzenberg, former Sora research lead Bill Peebles and ex-Dropbox CFO Sujay Jaswa is in talks with OpenAI to access Sora, customize it and sell software/services on top, per a person with knowledge; OpenAI would take equity if a deal closes (amount unknown). Startup name still unknown; unclear whether weights would be shared, though deep customization access is expected given Peebles’ prior role. OpenAI had canned Sora and its TikTok-like app amid costly side-project culls while xAI and Google pressed ahead on video; a deal would salvage ROI on Sora while OpenAI has also revived robotics, hired Patreon co-founder Sam Yam for a creator division, and pushed a personal-device initiative. Separately in the same Agenda: OpenAI told investors ARR was approaching $50B end-September—about $20B below other recent figures including TI’s. Caveats: talks not a closed deal; equity size and weight access unknown; ARR figure is single-sourced.