Bryan Cranston thanks OpenAI for tightening Sora 2 deepfake safeguards after likeness misuse incident

Actor Bryan Cranston has expressed appreciation to OpenAI for reinforcing measures that prevent unauthorized digital reproductions of his likeness on its generative video platform, Sora 2.

Cranston raised concerns with the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (Sag-Aftra) after users were able to create videos mimicking his image and voice without consent. The Los Angeles Times previously reported that one Sora 2-generated clip featured a synthetic version of Michael Jackson taking a selfie with the Breaking Bad star.

OpenAI initially faced criticism from Hollywood agencies and studios following reports suggesting that individuals would have to “opt out” rather than “opt in” to prevent their likenesses from being replicated. The company disputed these claims, saying its policy had always been to require opt-in consent.

In a joint statement issued Monday, OpenAI, Sag-Aftra, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and the Association of Talent Agents described the Cranston incident as “unintentional.” They pledged to strengthen systems protecting performers’ right to control the use of their voice and likeness.

Cranston thanked OpenAI for addressing the issue, stating he was concerned not only for himself but for “all performers whose work and identity can be misused in this way.” Sag-Aftra president Sean Astin praised Cranston for taking action and reiterated the union’s support for mandatory opt-in consent.

Astin also highlighted the pending NO FAKES Act, a U.S. bill that would outlaw the creation and distribution of AI-generated replicas without authorization. OpenAI has publicly endorsed the legislation, with CEO Sam Altman reaffirming the company’s commitment to protecting performers from digital misappropriation.