Too Much AI; ‘Cat In The Hat’ Debuts; DC Executive Shakeup

Excuse the flood of AI stories this week, but that seems to be the main theme driving the news over the last several days. Disney has a new AI partner in Adobe, with plans for tools that turn artists’ sketches into finished concept art. Meanwhile, an unauthorized AI remake of the brilliant 2008 Argentine short El Empleo went viral while promoting paid filmmaking classes, prompting co-creator Patricio Plaza to push back.

It wasn’t long after we sent out Friday’s newsletter that Sylvain Chomet responded to questions about his Dior ad. He and producer Aton Soumache denied generative AI use, but acknowledged “automated interpolation,” leaving questions about exactly which tools were used. Our readers were less than convinced by their reassurances.

In box office news, The Cat in the Hat opened above expectations as Wildwood passed $40 million domestically and Spy x Family is heading back to cinemas next year. Meanwhile, James Gunn and Peter Safran are stepping down as DC Studios chiefs, but will reportedly continue to work with the company creatively, with Gunn set to helm another film.

We also spoke with the Hexed filmmakers about hand-drawn animation and original stories, and Kid Koala about his feature debut, Space Cadet. Plus, our Oscar-qualified shorts series continues with Please and Paradaïz.

Check out these stories and more at cartoonbrew.com.

1. 
   Disney Partners With Adobe On AI Tools That Turn Artists’ Sketches Into Finished Concept Art

   As Disney unveils another major AI alliance, its growing investment in automation stands in stark contrast to ongoing layoffs and cost-cutting elsewhere.
2. 
   AI Account Rips Off Award-Winning 2008 Short ‘El Empleo’ To Promote $49-A-Month ‘Filmmaking’ Classes (EXCLUSIVE)

   Filmmaker Patricio Plaza responds after a 30-second AI knockoff of his hand-drawn 2008 classic attracts millions of views and sparks a copyright dispute.
3. 
   Sylvain Chomet Insists Dior Ad Was Hand-Drawn, But Acknowledges ‘Automated Interpolation’

   The filmmaker and his producer have defended the work that went into the ad, but offer few technical details about the tools used to generate in-between frames.
4. 
   ‘The Cat In The Hat’ Beats Predictions But Opens Below Seuss Predecessors As ‘Wildwood’ Holds Strong In Week Three

   Warner Bros.' Dr. Seuss adaptation opens well below its predecessors, while Laika's stop-motion feature enjoys another strong weekend hold.
5. 
   James Gunn ‘Incredibly Relieved’ To Return To Filmmaking As He, Peter Safran Step Down As DC Studios Chiefs Amid Paramount Shakeup

   Marvel vet Jeremy Latcham will take over at the top of DC Studios as Paramount's post-merger restructuring continues.

6. 
   Disney’s ‘Hexed’ Filmmakers Talk Hand-Drawn Animation, Original Stories, And Pushing CG Boundaries

   Directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand discuss ambitious character designs, while studio chief Jared Bush explains his vision for Disney's future.
7. 
   New ‘Spy x Family’ Movie And Fourth Season Announced For 2027

   Following the success of 'Spy x Family Code: White,' the hit anime franchise is prepping another big-screen adventure as the Forger family returns in 2027.
8. 
   Scratch DJ Kid Koala Learned To Speak In Frames For His Animated Feature Debut ‘Space Cadet’

   Debut director Eric San talks working with 16 animators, creating a handmade CG world, and using turntables to give his robot character a human touch.
9. 
   2027 Oscars Short Film Contenders: ‘Please’ Director Anna Mantzaris

   Awkward encounters and vulnerable puppets reveal the human need for affection in a stop-motion comedy that finds beauty in the feelings we try to hide.
10. 
    2027 Oscars Short Film Contenders: ‘Paradaïz’ Director Matea Radic

    Childhood memories, family photos, and absurdist animation shape a personal return to Sarajevo, exploring displacement, identity, and the meaning of home.