DreamWorks Animation Banned AI Training for New Film
The studio added a formal rights reservation against AI model training to the credits of its latest feature.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Animation
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DreamWorks Animation has officially prohibited the use of its latest film, Forgotten Island, for artificial intelligence training purposes. The move comes ahead of the movie's wide release in U.S. cinemas.
Why it matters
The inclusion of this notice reflects growing efforts by creative studios to protect intellectual property from unauthorized data mining. By citing specific European Union copyright law, the studio aims to establish a clear legal boundary regarding the use of its creative assets.
The film Forgotten Island currently holds a 100% score on the Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer. This rating is derived from a total of 33 professional critic reviews.
The players
DreamWorks Animation
This American animation studio is a subsidiary of Universal Pictures known for producing major film franchises.
H.E.R.
She is a Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer and songwriter who serves as a lead cast member for this film.
Liza Soberano
She is a Filipino-American actress and model who plays a prominent role in the animated feature.
Lea Salonga
She is a world-renowned singer and actress celebrated for her voice work in major motion pictures.
The details
The closing credits of Forgotten Island feature a explicit notice stating that the work may not be used to train AI, citing Article 4(3) of the European Union's Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market. The film draws heavily on Filipino mythology and features a cast including H.E.R., Liza Soberano, and Lea Salonga.
Timeline
As of September 23, 2026, the film holds a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The film is scheduled to open in U.S. cinemas on September 25, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict between generative AI developers and Hollywood studios regarding data usage. It mirrors a broader industry push to leverage the European Union's Directive on copyright in the Digital Single Market as a foundational defense.
Moviegoers can see the film and its unique credit notice when it arrives in U.S. theaters on September 25, 2026. The production's focus on Filipino folklore provides a distinct cultural narrative for audiences to experience on the big screen.
The takeaway
This development serves as a reminder of how intellectual property rights are evolving in the age of generative models. Viewers should expect to see more creators explicitly reclaiming control over how their works are utilized in digital ecosystems.
Further reading
For more on the current state of the industry, visit the Animation section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by International Business Times UK.
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