The AI Revolution in Hollywood: Legal Battles, Ethical Dilemmas, and Creative Opportunities
Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a transformative force in Hollywood, reshaping how films are made, distributed, and consumed. Yet, as the technology advances, it is sparking heated debates about ethics, legality, and the future of creative industries. Recent developments in AI copyright lawsuits and the growing concerns among celebrities highlight the challenges and opportunities AI presents for screenwriters, filmmakers, and the entertainment industry at large.
AI and Copyright: The Landmark Ross Intelligence Case
One of the most significant legal battles concerning AI unfolded recently in the U.S. District Court of Delaware. The case involved Thomson Reuters suing Ross Intelligence, a now-defunct AI company, for copyright infringement. Ross had used Thomson Reuters’ Westlaw legal headnotes—summaries of judicial opinions—to train its AI-based legal research platform. Judge Stephanos Bibas ruled against Ross Intelligence, rejecting its claim of “fair use” and emphasizing that the headnotes were original works protected by copyright[1][2][3].
Why This Case Matters
- Precedent for AI Training Data: This ruling is one of the first to address whether using copyrighted material to train AI models qualifies as fair use. The court’s decision could influence ongoing lawsuits against major AI players like OpenAI and Microsoft[1][4].
- Fair Use Analysis: Judge Bibas highlighted that Ross’s use was not transformative and directly harmed the market for Thomson Reuters’ content. This finding underscores the importance of licensing agreements when using copyrighted works for AI training[5][6].
- Implications for Hollywood: As generative AI tools become more prevalent in screenwriting and filmmaking, this case raises questions about whether training these tools on copyrighted scripts or other creative works could lead to similar legal challenges.
Hollywood’s Relationship with AI: Friend or Foe?
While legal battles rage on, Hollywood has been grappling with how to integrate AI into its creative processes. From voice dubbing to digital recreations of actors, AI is already making its mark—but not without controversy.
AI in Film Production
- Voice and Dubbing Enhancements:
- In Emilia Pérez, AI was used to enhance Karla Sofía Gascón’s singing.
- The Brutalist employed AI to improve actors’ pronunciation of Hungarian dialogue[3].
- Indie distributor XYZ Films adopted Flawless’s “immersive dubbing” technology to synchronize lip movements with translated dialogue for international releases[3].
- Digital Recreation:
- The Polish biopic Putin used AI to superimpose Vladimir Putin’s face onto an actor’s body. This creative application boosted international sales but also sparked ethical concerns[3].
Backlash from Artists
Despite these advancements, many in Hollywood view AI with skepticism:
- Celebrities like Robert Downey Jr., Glenn Close, and Hank Azaria have taken strong stances against AI.
- Some distributors have started labeling films with “no AI” disclaimers, akin to animal welfare statements[3].
- Concerns about job losses in dubbing and localization have been raised by industry veterans like Debra Chin, who warns that cost-cutting measures could compromise artistic quality[3].
Scarlett Johansson Speaks Out on AI Misuse
Scarlett Johansson has emerged as a vocal critic of unregulated AI use. Her concerns stem from personal experiences with AI-generated content that misrepresents her likeness.
Key Points from Johansson’s Advocacy
- Call for Legislation:
Johansson has urged U.S. lawmakers to prioritize passing laws that limit harmful uses of AI. She describes this as a bipartisan issue essential for preserving societal trust[2]. - AI-Generated Video Controversy:
A viral video featuring an AI-generated version of Johansson alongside other celebrities called out antisemitic remarks by Kanye West. While Johansson supported the video’s message, she condemned the misuse of her likeness without consent[2]. - Broader Implications:
Johansson warns that unchecked AI misuse could lead to a societal “loss of reality.” Her advocacy highlights the need for ethical guidelines around using celebrity likenesses in media[2].
Balancing Innovation and Ethics
Despite the controversies, some filmmakers see potential in using AI responsibly:
- Scott Mann of Flawless advocates for “consent-driven” and “artist-focused” applications of AI.
- Industry experts suggest that rather than vilifying AI outright, stakeholders should adopt a nuanced approach that balances innovation with respect for intellectual property and artistic integrity[3].
A Path Forward
To ensure that AI enhances creativity rather than undermining it:
- Licensing Agreements: Studios should establish clear agreements for using copyrighted works in training data.
- Ethical Guidelines: The industry must develop standards to prevent misuse of celebrity likenesses or other sensitive content.
- Collaboration Over Competition: Filmmakers and technologists should work together to explore how AI can expand storytelling possibilities without replacing human creativity.
Conclusion
As Hollywood navigates its relationship with artificial intelligence, it stands at a crossroads between innovation and ethical responsibility. The recent court ruling against Ross Intelligence underscores the importance of respecting intellectual property rights in an era where data drives creativity. Meanwhile, Scarlett Johansson’s advocacy serves as a reminder that technological progress must be tempered with humanity.
For screenwriters and filmmakers, these developments offer both cautionary tales and opportunities. By embracing responsible practices and fostering collaboration between artists and technologists, Hollywood can harness the power of AI to tell stories that resonate across cultures—without losing sight of its core values.
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Citations:
[1] https://www.theverge.com/news/610721/thomson-reuters-ross-intelligence-ai-copyright-infringement
[2] https://natlawreview.com/article/thomson-reuters-wins-copyright-case-against-former-ai-competitor
[3] https://www.mayerbrown.com/en/insights/publications/2025/02/ross-ai-decision-gives-early-indication-of-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-fair-use-defense
[4] https://copyrightalliance.org/ai-copyright-infringement-cases-insights/
[5] https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/client-alert-court-decides-that-use-of-9412602/
[6] https://copyrightalliance.org/ai-training-not-fair-use/
[7] https://www.ipintelligencereport.com/blogs/surprise-move-judge-walks-back-ai-copyright-ruling-in-thomson-reuters-v-ross/
[8] https://www.venable.com/insights/publications/2025/02/judge-rejects-fair-use-defense-in-thompson-reuters
[9] https://copyrightblog.kluweriplaw.com/2024/02/29/is-generative-ai-fair-use-of-copyright-works-nyt-v-openai/
[10] https://www.goodwinlaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/02/alerts-practices-ip-lit-court-rejects-fair-use-defense-in-ai-copyright-case
[11] https://apnews.com/article/ai-artificial-intelligence-reuters-4a127c5b7e8bb76c84499fe12ad643c8
A.I. in Screen Trade 