Tom Cruise

A viral AI-generated video of actors Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting atop a building is causing a stir online.

The 15-second video comes from the latest AI video-generation platform, Seedance 2.0. The platform was launched this week by its owner, ByteDance, the same Chinese parent that oversees TikTok. As the video circulates online, the Motion Picture Assn. and other industry stakeholders have called out the video for its unauthorized use of copyrighted works.

Charles Rivkin, chief executive of the Motion Picture Assn., wrote in a statement that the company “should immediately cease its infringing activity.”

“In a single day, the Chinese AI service Seedance 2.0 has engaged in unauthorized use of U.S. copyrighted works on a massive scale,” wrote Rivkin. “By launching a service that operates without meaningful safeguards against infringement, ByteDance is disregarding well-established copyright law that protects the rights of creators and underpins millions of American jobs.”

The video was posted on X by Irish filmmaker Ruairi Robinson. His post said the 15-second video came from a two-line prompt he put into Seedance 2.0.

Rhett Reese, writer-producer of movies such as the “Deadpool” trilogy and “Zombieland,” responded to Robinson’s post, writing, “I hate to say it. It’s likely over for us.”

He goes on to say that soon people will be able to sit at a computer and create a movie “indistinguishable from what Hollywood now releases.” Reese says he’s fearful of losing his job as increasingly powerful AI tools advance into creative fields.

“I was blown away by the Pitt v Cruise video because it is so professional. That’s exactly why I’m scared,” wrote Reese on X. “My glass half empty view is that Hollywood is about to be revolutionized/decimated.”

Reese isn’t alone in thinking AI could potentially “decimate” Hollywood and take away jobs. Creating protections against AI was one of the main reasons both SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild went on strike in 2023. But some members argue that those measures — now nearly three years old — did not go far enough.

As SAG-AFTRA reentered contract negotiations with the studios earlier this week, AI is still one of the union’s highest priorities. It’s expected that the actors union could propose what has been called the Tilly tax, a fee that studios would have to pay to the union in exchange for using an AI-generated actor — a response to the introduction of Hollywood’s first AI actor, Tilly Norwood.

In a statement to The Times, SAG-AFTRA confirmed that the union stands with the studios in “condemning the blatant infringement” from Seedance 2.0, as video includes “unauthorized use of our members’ voices and likenesses.”

“This is unacceptable and undercuts the ability of human talent to earn a livelihood. Seedance 2.0 disregards law, ethics, industry standards and basic principles of consent,” wrote a spokesperson from SAG-AFTRA. “Responsible A.I. development demands responsibility, and that is nonexistent here.”

One of last year’s best action films is now ready for home viewing on Paramount+

A spectacular action movie sequel featuring an A-list Hollywood star has finally landed on Paramount+ at no additional cost to subscribers.

Potentially the final instalment in one of cinema’s most legendary franchises, the highly anticipated sequel left audiences stunned when it hit cinemas last year.

Following nearly 12 months of anticipation, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, marking Tom Cruise’s concluding performance as daring IMF agent Ethan Hunt, was added to Paramount+ on Sunday, 1st February.

Serving as a direct continuation of the seventh film in the franchise, Dead Reckoning, this thrilling spy adventure sees Ethan reuniting with Grace (played by Hayley Atwell), Benji (Simon Pegg), Luther (Ving Rhames) and various others to prevent Gabriel Martinelli (Esai Morales) from executing his plan to dominate the world’s population using a sinister AI called ‘the Entity’.

Anticipate plenty more gravity-defying stunts, intense espionage and a spectacular final confrontation in this essential action film that concludes an era with a monumental flourish, reports the Express.

Enthusiasts of the film have been singing its praises since its theatrical debut, so ensure Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning goes straight to the top of your streaming queue this week.

One IMDb user’s 10/10 review confessed: “There are no words which can describe this masterpiece.

“It has one of the most incredibly dynamic underwater and aerial stunts, edge of the seat moments. It was a sad, beautiful but hopeful goodbye to Tom as Hunt.

“One of the most powerful finale movies in the world. Cried throughout the movie. Real fans will love it.”

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Another viewer raved: “Honestly, this is one of the best films I’ve watched in a long time. From start to finish, it had me completely hooked – I was on the edge of my seat, heart pounding, palms sweating during the intense action sequences, and at other times, completely overwhelmed with emotion.

“The storyline was gripping and well-paced, with just the right balance of suspense, drama, and character development. The cinematography was stunning, capturing both the beauty of the locations and the intensity of the action in a way that pulled me deeper into the experience.”

The praise continued flowing on Letterboxd, where one user proclaimed: “The last fifty minutes of this and easily the best content of Mission: Impossible I have ever seen and it’s not even a debate.”

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“The plane sequence is not only the best stunt Tom Cruise has ever done, but it’s definitely the best in the series!!!! I was truly on the edge of my seat and my heart kept racing really hard.”

A final admirer concluded: “A truly awesome and epic finale to the franchise. Tom Cruise was born to be Ethan Hunt.

“I love everything about this final chapter in the Mission Impossible series. The stakes are higher, more developed characters, and more awesome action! The Final Reckoning has two of the most intense scenes in the whole franchise.”

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is now streaming on Paramount+.