Hollywood is freaking out over a viral AI video showing Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting

Fast Company Tech

by Eve Upton-Clark

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A viral AI-generated video featuring Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise fighting has sparked widespread panic in Hollywood. Created using Seedance 2.0, a new tool from ByteDance (the company behind TikTok), the clip showcases how AI can produce high-quality, realistic movie content with minimal input. This development has raised concerns about its impact on jobs, copyright laws, and the future of filmmaking. The video, which garnered over 1.8 million views, was made using a two-line prompt in Seedance 2.0. It depicts Pitt and Cruise in a rooftop brawl with cinematic camera work and sound effects. The tool's launch has led to other AI-generated clips, including alternate endings for popular films like *Game of Thrones* and *Spider-Man*. While some view it as innovative, others fear it could decimate the industry by replacing human roles in screenwriting, special effects, and acting. Hollywood’s response has been swift. Studios and unions have accused ByteDance of blatant copyright infringement, calling for immediate action to stop unauthorized use of intellectual property. The Motion Picture Association and SAG-AFTRA have demandedByteDance cease its activities, while Disney filed a cease-and-desist letter alleging the tool uses pirated content. This incident highlights the growing threat AI poses to creative industries. While it offers new possibilities, it also challenges traditional workflows and raises ethical concerns about intellectual property theft. As AI tools become more advanced, Hollywood faces a critical juncture in balancing innovation with protection of its creators' rights.

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Originally published on Fast Company Tech on 2/20/2026