In a recent turn of events, Amazon Studios has been hit with a lawsuit by R. Lance Hill, the original screenwriter of the 1989 cult classic “Road House.” The suit alleges that the studio has engaged in infringement and misuse of AI during the production of the upcoming remake, starring Jake Gyllenhaal.
According to the lawsuit, Amazon began work on the remake without properly licensing or waiting for the to expire. Additionally, Hill claims that the studio used AI to replicate actors’ voices during the SAG-AFTRA strike, which lasted from July 14 to November 9, 2023. This, he argues, is a violation of the collective bargaining agreements of SAG-AFTRA and the Directors Guild of America.
In response to these allegations, an Amazon MGM Studios spokesperson stated, “The lawsuit filed by R. Lance Hill regarding Road House today is completely without merit, and numerous allegations are categorically false.” The spokesperson went on to say that the company plans to defend its position in court.
The controversy surrounding the use of AI in the entertainment industry has been a hot topic recently, with many arguing that it threatens the livelihood of actors and other creative professionals. This lawsuit against Amazon Studios is just the latest in a series of legal battles over the use of AI in film and television.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the allegations of infringement and AI misuse. However, one thing is certain: the outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for the future of the entertainment industry and the use of AI in creative endeavors.