Disney Encountering Significant Obstacles in AI Generative Experiments
Disney Abandons Plans for Generative AI in Major Upcoming Films
Disney has announced that it has explorered but ultimately abandoned the use of generative AI for key effects in its upcoming productions, such as the live-action Moana remake and Tron: Ares.
For Moana, Disney had planned to partner with AI company Metaphysic to create a deepfake of Dwayne Johnson's face onto his cousin's body double, in an effort to reduce on-set requirements. However, the deal fell through due to legal issues surrounding ownership of the AI-generated likeness and data security concerns. As a result, no generative AI deepfake effects are expected in the final film, which is scheduled for release in July 2026.
Similar plans to use generative AI for Tron: Ares were also part of Disney's exploration, but have not moved to finalized production usage. The character "Bit," intended to be generated by AI, was intended to act as a potential companion to Jeff Bridges' returning Kevin Flynn.
Disney's cautious stance reflects broader tensions in Hollywood, where AI promises efficiencies and new creative tools, but raises significant legal, ethical, and creative challenges. The studio has faced copyright battles over AI image training sets, underscoring the risk of intellectual property disputes. Additionally, major guilds and creatives remain skeptical, worried about the impact on storytelling craft and authorship transparency.
Overall, Disney's attempts to incorporate generative AI into major upcoming films illustrate both the potential and the current practical and legal challenges of using such technology at scale in blockbuster productions. The studio is still exploring AI for post-production efficiencies like color grading and de-aging, but stops short of fully embedding generative AI-driven performances or character recreations due to unresolved rights and creative concerns.
In addition to the Moana remake and Tron: Ares, Disney has faced criticism for the use of generative AI in the opening title sequence of its Disney+ series Secret Invasion in 2023. The studio has also taken legal action against AI companies over claims of illegal misuse of copyrighted material to train their models.
The generative AI boom is being pushed in Silicon Valley, and Hollywood is considering its potential for cost savings and legal minefields. However, concerns over data security and ownership of the end product when generative AI models are used have been cited as reasons for the failure of these attempts.
As the use of generative AI in entertainment continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Disney and other studios navigate the legal and ethical challenges that come with it.
[1] Wall Street Journal report, 2023 [2] Variety, 2024 [3] Hollywood Reporter, 2024 [4] The Verge, 2025 [5] Deadline, 2025
- The Wall Street Journal reported in 2023 that Disney was exploring partnerships with tech companies like Gizmodo and Io9, aiming to leverage artificial intelligence for post-production efficiencies in movies, such as color grading and de-aging.
- In 2024, Variety revealed that Hollywood was considering the use of artificial intelligence in blockbuster productions, with Disney reportedly planning to use AI for character recreations in movies like the future live-action remake of Mulan and in the sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy.
- The Hollywood Reporter reported in 2024 that major studios, including Disney, were keeping a close eye on the development of artificial intelligence in technology and movies, but were facing pushback from guilds and creatives concerned about the impact on storytelling craft and authorship transparency.
