Actor Jeremy Renner has initiated a legal dispute against filmmaker Yi Zhou, accusing her of using his name and voice without permission in an artificial intelligence-based movie project. This move marks a critical development in the ongoing controversy, with Renner threatening a multimillion-dollar lawsuit related to the unauthorized use of his likeness in the AI animated film Stardust Futures: Stars and Scars.
Renner’s legal representatives issued a cease-and-desist letter to Zhou, demanding she stop all use of his image, voice, or name outside of his authorized involvement in the Disney documentary Masters of Cinema 2: Chronicles of Disney. The letter, dated November 7, 2025, was sent by his attorney John H. Lavely Jr. of Lavely & Singer. It asserts that Zhou has been spreading damaging falsehoods and faces potential “multi-millions of dollars in liability” for defamation and misappropriation of Renner’s identity.
According to the letter, Renner was never informed about, nor did he consent to, any AI-generated animation or related projects involving his voice or likeness beyond the Disney documentary. Lavely emphasized that Renner
has no knowledge of and did not willingly participate in any AI generated animation or other project.
Zhou’s response disputes Renner’s claims and alleges prior agreement
Yi Zhou counters Renner’s accusations by stating that he gave explicit written consent to narrate Stardust Futures. She points to a Talent Release Form signed on September 15, which, according to her, grants permission for
all promotional, derivative, or related works.
Zhou insists that the project uses Renner’s actual voice and argues that AI cannot replicate a person’s voice without their permission.
Additionally, Zhou raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest, highlighting that Lavely & Singer, Renner’s legal team, previously represented her in a separate case. In retaliation, Zhou sent her own cease-and-desist letter dated October 29, warning Renner of potential legal action including
injunctive relief, monetary damages, and legal fees.
Legal clash highlights broader issues in AI and intellectual property rights
This dispute underscores growing tensions surrounding the use of artificial intelligence in film and entertainment, particularly concerning voice replication and image rights without explicit approval. As celebrities like Jeremy Renner confront unauthorized AI applications, legal frameworks struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. The outcome of this case may set important precedents for the protection of performers’ rights in AI-driven projects, influencing how future content is produced and controlled.
As this legal battle continues, the entertainment industry and AI developers alike are likely to face increased scrutiny over consent and intellectual property, signaling a crucial turning point in managing emerging digital technologies and talent rights.
