OpenAI is backing the creation of an AI-assisted animated feature film called Critterz, a project designed to test how generative AI can be used to make films faster and with lower costs than traditional animation methods.
Critterz tells the story of forest creatures whose lives are disrupted by a mysterious stranger, leading them into an unexpected adventure. Initially planned as a short film, the project expanded into a full-length feature with support from OpenAI and production companies Vertigo Films and Native Foreign. The film is expected to reach theaters worldwide in 2026.
What’s OpenAI’s contribution?
OpenAI is providing its tools and computing resources to help with the film’s production. One of these tools, Sora, generates video content from text prompts, allowing the team to visualize scenes quickly and experiment with ideas. The goal is to see how AI can assist animators and filmmakers in completing work more efficiently, without replacing the creative decisions made by humans.
The film is being produced on a timeline of nine months, significantly shorter than the usual three years for a traditional animated feature. The budget is under $30 million, demonstrating how AI tools can reduce costs while keeping production on track.
Industry response
The project has drawn attention within the animation and film industry. Some see it as a way to speed up production and explore new workflows, while others raise questions about how AI might affect roles in animation and issues like intellectual property. Critterz provides a practical example of how AI can be integrated into the filmmaking process, showing both potential benefits and limitations.
As Critterz moves toward its 2026 release, it will offer a clear test case for the use of AI in feature film production. The outcome could influence how studios approach animation and the tools they use, highlighting the balance between technology and human creative input.
