OpenAI Reportedly Shuts Down Sora AI Video Generator, Raising Questions Over Disney Partnership

Multiple media outlets report that OpenAI will discontinue its AI video-generation tool, Sora, and shut down the consumer Sora app for general users, along with related online services used by film and TV professionals. Since its release in 2024, Sora drew attention in the entertainment and advertising industries for its highly realistic short-video generation capabilities, but this shift suggests OpenAI will reallocate resources away from video generation to other priorities.

This decision directly impacts OpenAI’s partnership with Disney. Reuters reported that teams on both sides had previously continued advancing Sora-related projects, and Sora’s exit means the previously announced USD 1 billion cooperation plan between Disney and OpenAI may be terminated. The New York Times also noted that the two sides signed a three-year licensing agreement in late 2025, allowing users to generate short-video content using Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse. The agreement had been seen as an important signal of collaboration between the tech industry and Hollywood.

Analysts believe Sora’s withdrawal may involve weak business economics, insufficient consumer interest, and compliance and brand risks arising from controversial user-generated content. Looking ahead, Disney said it will seek alternative paths to advance AI content and productization, while OpenAI’s absence in the video-generation track may create market opportunities for other models and platforms.