Tesla Sued for Using AI-Generated Blade Runner Imagery at Robotaxi Event
Film production company Alcon Entertainment, known for producing Blade Runner 2049, has filed a lawsuit against Tesla, Elon Musk, and Warner Bros Discovery.
What does the lawsuit say?
The lawsuit alleges that Tesla used artificial intelligence to generate promotional imagery resembling scenes from the movie without permission that was displayed during Tesla’s robotaxi unveiling event on October 10th at a Warner Bros. studio in Burbank, California.
The lawsuit claims Warner Bros. sought permission to use images from Blade Runner 2049 mere hours before the event but was denied by Alcon. Despite this refusal, Tesla allegedly used AI to replicate a scene from the movie where Ryan Gosling’s character overlooks a ruined city.
As Musk took the stage in one of the company’s “Cybercabs,” the screen behind him showed a man in a long coat gazing at an orange-hued post-apocalyptic landscape.
Musk commented, "I love Blade Runner, but I don’t know if we want that future. I think we want that duster he’s wearing, but not the bleak apocalypse."
Alcon accuses Tesla of copyright infringement and false endorsement, as the imagery suggested an unauthorised connection between the film and the company.
They are also suing Warner Bros., which distributed Blade Runner 2049 and hosted the event, for facilitating the misuse.
The lawsuit details how Warner Bros. allegedly allowed Tesla to use its studio lot and infrastructure for the event, but Alcon was not informed of any brand deal until the day it took place. Alcon is now seeking damages and a court order to prevent Tesla from using the disputed images in future promotions.
Alcon emphasised their decision not to collaborate with Tesla due to Musk’s “extreme political and social views,” stating that any prudent brand should consider his "highly politicised, capricious and arbitrary behaviour."
Not the first time Musk has referenced sci-fi films in work
This isn’t the first time Musk has referenced sci-fi in his ventures. He has previously cited the Blade Runner films as an inspiration for Tesla’s Cybertruck, and the title of the robotaxi event, "We, Robot," also caught the attention of I, Robot director Alex Proyas, who publicly commented on the similarity.
As Alcon prepares for the release of its upcoming television series Blade Runner 2099, the lawsuit highlights the company’s desire to keep the film’s imagery separate from Musk’s influence.
