Jeremy Renner and Yi Zhou to Collaborate on All-AI Film Stardust Future

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Jeremy Renner is currently appearing in the series *Mayor of Kingstown* and is well-known for his role as Hawkeye in several Marvel movies, including *Avengers: Endgame*. However, his upcoming project is unlike anything audiences have seen before.

Jeremy Renner will voice a character in the upcoming animated movie, *Stardust Future: Stars and Scars*. What makes this film unique is that it’s the first full-length movie created entirely using artificial intelligence. Renner will play the Oracle of Time, who narrates the story, taking viewers from the beginning of the universe all the way to the year 2080.

The new animated movie, *Stardust Future: Stars and Scars*, will be in theaters this November. It reunites director Yi Zhou with actor Renner, who previously collaborated on the documentary *Chronicles of Disney*. This project marks Renner’s return to voice acting. Zhou’s production company, Into the Sun Entertainment, is already planning an awards campaign for the film, aiming for nominations at the 2026 Academy Awards in categories like best animated feature, music, sound, editing, and visual effects.

Jeremy Renner won’t be the only familiar face in the movie – fashion icon Diane von Fürstenberg will appear as a digital creation. The film’s soundtrack features original music by Zhou, alongside pieces by the late Ennio Morricone, and arrangements by Into the Sun Collective. Zhou describes the animation as a unique storytelling method, combining both 2D and 3D techniques. She explains that the changes in visual style reflect the film’s themes of contrasting past and present, and fantasy with reality. According to Zhou’s production company, this is the first full-length movie to be entirely created using AI with this particular animation style.

Zhou describes her film as a collaboration between human strength and artificial intelligence. She tasked AI with exploring both history and potential futures, using it not to replace artistic creativity, but to expand upon our collective memory. The goal, she explains, is to address past harms and envision a hopeful future. Zhou believes AI is a powerful tool to enhance human capabilities, creating what she calls an ‘immortality scape’ – a space where art, the human body, memories, and technology blend together, allowing us to move beyond the limitations of time. She’s optimistic about AI’s potential, emphasizing the importance of using it responsibly and with respect.

A portion of the earnings from *Stardust Future: Stars and Scars* will go to charity. The donations will be split between Renner’s Rennervation Foundation, which helps young people in foster care, and the Motion Picture & Television Fund, assisting entertainment industry workers affected by the California wildfires in January 2025.

Artificial Intelligence Is a Point of Contention in Hollywood

Artificial intelligence is facing criticism in Hollywood, particularly after Particle 6 Productions introduced Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated “actor.” The creator, Van der Velden, addressed the backlash in an Instagram post, explaining that Tilly isn’t meant to replace human actors, but rather to be considered a creative work – a form of art. Van der Velden believes that, like other art forms, Tilly sparks discussion, demonstrating the power of creativity.

Tilly Norwood, an AI performer, debuted at the Zurich Film Festival, and the company behind it announced they were looking for representation. This sparked criticism from actors like Melissa Baretta of *Scream*, who publicly questioned why any actor would work with an agency also representing AI. Baretta called the creation “gross” and insensitive, explaining that Tilly Norwood is built using the work of many performers without their consent or payment. She also argued that AI lacks the life experience and emotion that audiences connect with, and that people aren’t interested in watching purely computer-generated performances.

Stardust Future: Stars and Scars will hit theaters in November.

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2025-10-14 17:07