Hollywood Screenwriter Declares 'It's Likely Over' Following Viral AI Video Featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt
A leading Hollywood screenwriter has delivered a stark warning, stating "it's likely over for us" in response to a viral AI-generated video depicting Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in an intense fight scene. The 15-second clip, which has garnered over 1.5 million views on X, was created using just a two-line prompt in an artificial intelligence tool, sparking widespread alarm across the entertainment industry.
Industry Figures Voice Profound Concerns Over AI Advancements
Rhett Reese, the acclaimed screenwriter behind Deadpool & Wolverine, initiated the conversation with his blunt assessment. "I hate to say it. It's likely over for us," he wrote, later elaborating on his fears in subsequent posts. Reese expressed that he is "terrified" by AI's encroachment into creative fields, noting that many professionals he admires face potential career losses.
"In next to no time, one person is going to be able to sit at a computer and create a movie indistinguishable from what Hollywood now releases," Reese predicted. He acknowledged that poor talent would produce subpar results, but warned that individuals with exceptional skill, comparable to directors like Christopher Nolan, could revolutionize the industry, potentially decimating traditional Hollywood structures.
The AI Tool Behind the Controversial Video
The video was crafted using Seedance 2.0, an AI tool launched by TikTok's Chinese parent company, ByteDance, on 12 February 2026. Irish filmmaker Ruairi Robinson posted the clip, which showcases remarkably professional audiovisual effects. ByteDance promoted the tool's ability to "achieve extremely realistic audiovisual effects" and significantly reduce production costs in film, advertising, e-commerce, and gaming.
However, the Motion Picture Association (MPA) swiftly denounced the launch, accusing ByteDance of "unauthorised use of US copyrighted works on a massive scale." An MPA spokesperson criticized ByteDance for operating without meaningful safeguards against infringement, urging the company to cease its activities immediately to protect creators' rights and American jobs.
Broader Industry Reactions and Ongoing Tensions
Reese's comments reflect a growing chorus of concern within Hollywood. Last year, multiple industry figures spoke out when an AI-generated actor named "Tilly Norwood" attracted interest from talent agencies. In December, the UK's actors' union overwhelmingly voted to refuse digital scanning for AI purposes, potentially leading to industrial action.
Despite these outcries, some studios are actively integrating AI into their operations. Amazon, for instance, has established a new team focused on developing AI tools to cut costs and streamline creative processes. This divide highlights the tension between technological innovation and the preservation of traditional creative careers.
Reese emphasized that his initial statement was not made lightly. "I was blown away by the Pitt v Cruise video because it is so professional. That's exactly why I'm scared," he explained. His pessimistic view suggests that Hollywood faces an imminent revolution that could fundamentally alter its landscape.
