OpenAI is stepping into Hollywood with its first major animated film project, Critterz, an AI-powered feature designed to showcase how generative technology can transform the movie industry. The film is being developed in partnership with Native Foreign in Los Angeles and Vertigo Films in London, with a release scheduled for 2026 following a planned debut at the Cannes Film Festival.
Unlike traditional animated blockbusters, which often take years and cost upwards of $150 million to produce, Critterz is being created on a budget of less than $30 million and in just nine months. The majority of the work will be powered by OpenAI’s tools, including GPT-5, the company’s most advanced model to date.
The project represents OpenAI’s effort to win over skeptical Hollywood executives and creatives who remain cautious about AI’s role in filmmaking. While the technology promises speed, lower costs, and new creative possibilities, concerns remain over intellectual property rights, artistic authenticity, and audience acceptance.
If successful, Critterz could mark a turning point in how movies are made, potentially opening the door for AI to play a larger role in global entertainment. But the stakes are high: beyond the buzz, the film must deliver not just technical novelty but also compelling storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
With its experimental budget, rapid production timeline, and backing from both Silicon Valley and established film studios, Critterz is being closely watched as a test case for the future of AI in cinema.
