Disney cancels Dwayne Johnson deepfakes from 'Moana' and AI-generated soldiers from 'Tron: Ares,' saying it 'couldn't risk the negative publicity.'
Disney, which is currently producing a live-action version of '
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https://www.wsj.com/business/media/disney-ai-hollywood-movies-5982a925
Disney Scrapped Dwayne Johnson AI Image For 'Moana'
https://deadline.com/2025/08/disney-dwayne-johnson-deepfake-moana-ai-generated-tron-ares-1236478167/
According to the Wall Street Journal, Disney originally planned to use AI in a scene that featured two Dwayne Johnsons on the same screen, with Johnson's cousin and stuntman Tanoai Reed acting as the actor and using AI deepfakes to superimpose Johnson's face.
Dwayne Johnson reportedly approved the plan, but after discussions with Disney lawyers, concerns arose that if AI were to generate parts of the film, Disney would no longer be able to claim ownership of the entire film, and the plan was scrapped.
Additionally, the Disney film Tron: Ares , scheduled for release in October 2025, reportedly rejected a proposal to use AI.
Because Tron: Ares was a film about AI soldiers invading the real world, Disney executives proposed incorporating AI into one of the characters as a marketing strategy. The idea was for the screenwriters to input the character's character's sidekick into a generative AI, which would then incorporate the output into the film. However, due to ongoing contract negotiations with the unions representing the writers and actors, the idea was rejected, as they 'could not risk negative publicity.'
'These are the kinds of things that we need to do to prevent AI from being used in film,' said a spokesperson for Disney.
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The Wall Street Journal said, 'Disney is simultaneously exploring how to use AI in the movie-making process and how to protect against it. Executives envision a future where AI will reduce budgets, while struggling with legal uncertainty and fan backlash. The company's early efforts include talks about letting players interact with an AI-generated Darth Vader in 'Fortnite,' but some of its efforts to use AI in movies have yet to bear fruit. The key for Disney will be to protect its characters and stories while also embracing new AI technology.'
'We've been around for 100 years and we intend to be around for the next 100 years,' Disney's legal chief, Horacio Gutierrez, said. 'AI will be transformative, but it doesn't have to be lawless.'
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