John Wick studio slammed for “bleak” AI plan to completely change existing movies

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Under its repertoire that includes blockbuster series like The Hunger Games, Twilight, and John Wick, Lionsgate is contemplating significant strategic shifts leveraging Artificial Intelligence. However, this move has sparked criticism from some quarters.

2025 finds us only a few days from the premiere of Ballerina, a spinoff of John Wick featuring Keanu Reeves. This is one of the latest movies to come from Lionsgate, a studio renowned for producing some beloved films in recent years (and throughout history).

In the upcoming years, movies like “The Strangers – Chapter 2”, “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t”, and “Sunrise on the Reaping” will be released, but the studio is not only focusing on future projects. They are also considering ongoing matters.

Additionally, there’s consideration for a refresh or rebranding, leveraging AI technology, and these alterations have already ignited controversy among the public.

Lionsgate wants to use AI to make existing films “more kid-friendly or animated”

In conversation with Vulture, Lionsgate’s Vice-Chairman Michael Burns mentioned that the studio is exploring the possibilities of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming current films into kid-friendly versions or animations.

He affirmed that they were exploring the limits of what could be achieved, “Give it a go, let’s see what works… Now we can suggest, ‘Anime style, keep it PG-13.’ In three hours, we’ll have the film ready.

In simpler terms, Burns’ hypothetical scenario involves taking one of Lionsgate’s popular action series, using software called Runway to rework and market it again. This new version would have changes in tone, format, and rating to create a more kid-friendly version or transform a live-action movie into an animated one.

If actors and other rights holders are compensated for their work, and the option to subsequently resell it is available, then various software tools in Runway’s platform have previously been employed in projects such as Everything Everywhere All At Once and House of David. It’s plausible that other films and television shows may have also employed these tools without publicly disclosing it.

Although no definite plans for the movie have been set yet – “We’re still debating whether to produce this film or not. There’s a brief scene involving 10,000 soldiers on a hilltop surrounded by horses in a snowstorm,” Burns mentions, hinting at Runway potentially spending $1 million on a budget of around $10,000 – the general public seems to be unfavorable towards this idea.

Picture this scenario: as a film director, you put all your passion and creativity into a film, only for someone to remake it into a Baby Shark version for their child. This is the era we’re living in now,” was one fan’s response on Twitter.

One person commented that it might rank among the most dismal pieces they’ve encountered. Another concurred, expressing their dislike for the grim tone, with a third echoing similar sentiments, calling it extremely depressing.

In the same article, it’s indicated that other studios might be integrating AI as well. An anonymous source has verified this, stating that AI is now part of their production processes. Some studios, however, are hesitant to disclose their plans due to fear of union backlash, following the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. This apprehension might be the reason they have not yet announced their intentions publicly.

Explore all the forthcoming John Wick films, get insights into the John Wick anime, discover top-rated Keanu Reeves flicks, and check out other exciting movies premiering this month.

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2025-06-04 18:18