AI Is Quietly Rewriting Hollywood’s Playbook

AI has become a decisive force in Hollywood, split between corporate tools that streamline production and generative models that could reshape content, fueling debates over labor protection, IP and performer likeness rights. Netflix’s $587 million acquisition of Ben Affleck’s AI company signals AI’s business leverage, while unions push guardrails and studios weigh cost-cutting against authenticity. The industry is watching pivotal battles over fair use, consent registries for likeness, and potential federal rights of publicity, all while high-profile projects and deals reveal both opportunities and risks as filmmakers seek an authored, authentic future amid pervasive AI hype.