OpenAI-Backed Animation ‘Critterz’ Set to Challenge Hollywood Norms

A new animated feature film titled Critterz is set to make waves in the film industry thanks to support from OpenAI. With a production budget of just $30 million, the film aims to showcase the potential of artificial intelligence in creative storytelling and will likely debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026.

The story of Critterz revolves around forest creatures embarking on an adventure following a disruption in their village. Originally conceived as a short film using OpenAI’s DALL-E technology in 2023, the project is now being developed into a full-length feature by Chad Nelson, a creative specialist at OpenAI. He has partnered with Vertigo Films and the writers behind Paddington in Peru to bring this vision to life.

The budget for Critterz may seem substantial, but it pales in comparison to other recent animated films, such as Pixar’s Elio, which reportedly has a budget of $200 million. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, Vertigo Films aims to complete the movie in approximately nine months, a significant reduction from the typical three-year timeline for animated features. This expedited schedule is made possible through the integration of AI technology alongside traditional video production methods.

While the film will incorporate AI tools, it will not be entirely AI-generated. Human voice actors will lend their talents, and original artwork produced by artists will be transformed using GPT-5 and other AI image generation tools. Nelson stated, “OpenAI can say what its tools do all day long, but it’s much more impactful if someone does it. That’s a much better case study than me building a demo.”

This project represents a crucial opportunity for OpenAI to demonstrate the positive potential of AI in the creative sector. An OpenAI spokesperson remarked that Critterz “reflects the kind of creativity and exploration we love to encourage.” The company hopes the film will not only showcase the capabilities of AI but also counter any negative perceptions surrounding the technology in the creative industry.

The original Critterz short film has received mixed reviews, achieving a score of just 3.2 out of 10 on IMDb from thirteen ratings. This indicates limited interest in the initial concept and highlights the challenges ahead for the full-length version. While Critterz is not the first AI-assisted feature film, its sizeable budget and the backing of a prominent AI organization position it uniquely within the industry.

The film’s success or failure may hinge on whether it can effectively disrupt the animation landscape dominated by major studios like Disney and DreamWorks. As anticipation builds for its release, audiences worldwide will be watching closely to see if Critterz can redefine the role of AI in filmmaking and deliver a compelling story that resonates with viewers.