OpenAI is investing in the production of Critterz, a feature-length animated film created almost entirely with generative AI. The movie is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026.
The project was first reported by The Wall Street Journal.
The idea for the film originated three years ago when OpenAI creative specialist Chad Nelson began experimenting with an early version of DALL·E. He is now collaborating with London-based Vertigo Films and California’s Native Foreign studio.
The budget for Critterz is under $30 million — significantly lower than that of traditional animated films. Thanks to AI, the team expects to complete production in just nine months instead of the usual three years. For each scene, artists will create sketches that will then be processed by OpenAI’s models, including GPT-5. Voice acting will be performed by human actors.
The screenplay was written by the authors of Paddington in Peru. The project is financed by Federation Studios, and about 30 team members will receive a share of future profits.
According to the company, Critterz aims to demonstrate that AI can generate big-screen content at a fraction of the cost, making filmmaking more accessible. However, questions regarding distribution and theatrical release remain open.
