Hollywood on the Brink? AI Video Generator Seedance 2.0 Sparks Existential Fears
A 15-second AI-generated video featuring remarkably realistic depictions of Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise engaged in a fight has sent shockwaves through Hollywood. The clip, created using the fresh AI video generator Seedance 2.0, isn’t just a technological marvel; it’s being viewed by some as an existential threat to the industry.
The Rise of AI Video and the “It’s Likely Over For Us” Sentiment
The video, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Irish filmmaker Ruairí Robinson, was created using a mere two-line prompt within Seedance 2.0. The ease with which such a convincing clip could be generated has prompted alarm. Rhett Reese, co-writer of films like “Deadpool & Wolverine,” bluntly stated on social media, “I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.” He elaborated, expressing fear that soon, anyone with a computer could create films “indistinguishable from what Hollywood now releases.”
This isn’t the first time AI has rattled Hollywood. Similar concerns arose in late 2025 with the release of OpenAI’s Sora, prompting talent agencies to explore opt-out options for their clients. However, Seedance 2.0’s accessibility and speed are amplifying those anxieties.
Copyright Concerns and the MPA’s Response
The rapid proliferation of AI-generated content using copyrighted material has ignited a legal battle. The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has accused ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company and the creator of Seedance 2.0, of “unauthorized use of U.S. Copyrighted works on a massive scale.” The core issue revolves around AI systems being trained on data scraped from the internet, including copyrighted films, art, and literature.
Beyond the Pitt-Cruise clip, Seedance 2.0 users have already created alternate endings to “Game of Thrones,” and scenes featuring characters like Rocky Balboa and Optimus Prime in unexpected settings. This demonstrates the tool’s versatility and potential for widespread disruption.
SAG-AFTRA and the Ongoing Battle for Actor Protection
The concerns over AI aren’t new for actors. Protecting against the unauthorized use of their likenesses was a key driver behind the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. As SAG-AFTRA re-enters contract negotiations with the studios, AI remains a top priority. The union is reportedly considering a “Tilly tax” – a fee studios would pay for using AI-generated actors, a direct response to the introduction of Hollywood’s first AI actor, Tilly Norwood.
SAG-AFTRA has publicly condemned Seedance 2.0’s actions, stating that the tool’s use of members’ voices and likenesses is “unacceptable” and “disregards law, ethics, industry standards and basic principles of consent.”
What Does This Signify for the Future of Filmmaking?
The emergence of tools like Seedance 2.0 forces a critical conversation about the future of creative work. Although AI offers potential benefits – streamlining production, reducing costs – it also poses significant risks to employment and artistic integrity. The industry is grappling with how to balance innovation with the necessitate to protect the livelihoods of those who work within it.
The debate isn’t simply about preventing AI; it’s about establishing ethical guidelines and legal frameworks that ensure fair compensation and control for creators in an increasingly AI-driven world.
FAQ
What is Seedance 2.0? Seedance 2.0 is an AI video generator created by ByteDance, the owner of TikTok.
Why is Hollywood concerned about Seedance 2.0? The tool allows users to create realistic videos featuring actors and intellectual property with minimal effort, raising concerns about copyright infringement and job displacement.
What is the “Tilly tax”? It’s a proposed fee that studios would pay to SAG-AFTRA for using AI-generated actors.
Was the Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fight video real? No, the video was entirely AI-generated using Seedance 2.0.
What was the outcome of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike? While the strike addressed some AI concerns, some members believe the measures didn’t proceed far enough.
Did you understand? The viral Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt fight video was created using only a two-line prompt in Seedance 2.0.
Pro Tip: Stay informed about the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on your industry. Continuous learning and adaptation are crucial in this rapidly changing environment.
What are your thoughts on the rise of AI in Hollywood? Share your opinions in the comments below!
