“A Blatant Infringement”: Hollywood Actors Slam New AI Model After Viral Videos Featuring Movie Stars

Hollywood unions and studios have spoken out against ByteDance following the launch of its Seedance 2.0 video model. According to SAG-AFTRA, the tool enables the mass creation of videos using actors’ likenesses and voices without their consent. The backlash was sparked by a wave of viral clips — from scenes featuring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise to the “return” of characters from The Lord of the Rings.

SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin, whose likeness was used in the role of Sam, called the situation a “blatant infringement.” In an official statement, the union emphasized that the model allows the use of actors’ voices and appearances without permission, which “undermines artists’ ability to earn a living” and ignores fundamental principles of consent.

Disney has already contacted ByteDance, issuing a formal demand to cease distribution of the materials. The letter states that the company has effectively opened access to a “pirate library” of characters from the Star Wars, Marvel, and other franchises. The Motion Picture Association and the Human Artistry Campaign coalition have also called for the model’s operations to be halted.

Seedance 2.0 is considered a major step forward compared to previous AI video platforms, as it combines audio and video to deliver a more cinematic result. Amid ongoing negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and studios over AI usage rules, the issue of “consent and compensation” has once again moved to the forefront.

Do you think studios and unions can realistically limit technologies like this, or is AI-generated video already unstoppable? What do you think of the results in these examples — better than Hollywood or not?