ByteDance's Seedance 2 Criticized Over AI-Generated Video of Tom Cruise Fighting Brad Pitt

Slashdot

by EditorDavid

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

ByteDance's new AI video generation tool, Seedance 2.0, has sparked significant controversy after generating a viral 15-second clip featuring Tom Cruise fighting Brad Pitt. Despite ByteDance's claim that the tool produces high-quality videos aligning with industry standards, the film industry has strongly condemned its use. The Motion Picture Association's CEO, Charles Rivkin, criticized Seedance 2.0 for massively infringing on U.S. copyrights and disregarding established copyright laws, which protect creators and support millions of jobs. Industry professionals like Rhett Reese, known for "Deadpool" and "Zombieland," expressed fears about the future of Hollywood with such powerful AI tools. Reese highlighted how the video's professional quality threatens creative jobs, predicting a potential overhaul in the film industry. The Screen Actors Guild-Television Academy (SAG-AFTRA) also joined the criticism, stating that Seedance 2.0 undermines human talent by using unauthorized likenesses and voices of members, disregarding legal and ethical standards. This incident raises important questions about responsible AI development and copyright laws in the digital age. As AI tools become more advanced, balancing innovation with respect for intellectual property rights will be crucial to maintaining trust and fairness in creative industries. The backlash against Seedance 2.0 underscores the need for robust safeguards to prevent unauthorized use of copyrighted material and protect the livelihoods of artists and creators. This situation

Verticals

tech

Originally published on Slashdot on 2/15/2026