With Critterz, OpenAI and Vertigo Films push the boundaries of AI-powered storytelling, aiming to prove that machine-driven animation can rival Hollywood at Cannes 2026.
OpenAI is making its boldest move yet into the entertainment industry, backing "Critterz," a feature-length animated film created largely with artificial intelligence tools that aims to premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May 2026.
The ambitious project, with a budget under $30 million and a nine-month production timeline, challenges Hollywood's traditional animation model that typically requires three years and upwards of $100 million to complete a feature film.
From Sketch to Screen in Record Time
"Critterz" tells the story of forest creatures whose peaceful village is disrupted by a mysterious outsider, sending them on an adventure together. The project originated three years ago when Chad Nelson, now a creative specialist at OpenAI, began experimenting with the company's then-new DALL-E image generation tool to sketch characters for a short film.
That initial experiment has now evolved into a full-scale production involving London's Vertigo Films and Los Angeles-based Native Foreign, a studio specializing in combining AI with traditional production methods. Federation Studios in Paris is providing the funding.
"OpenAI can say what its tools do all day long, but it's much more impactful if someone does it," Nelson told the Wall Street Journal, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating AI's capabilities through actual production rather than theoretical promises.
A "Massive Experiment" for Cinema
The production represents uncharted territory for everyone involved. James Richardson, co-founder of Vertigo Films, didn't mince words about the project's experimental nature.
"I have never been in this position in my life where we are starting a movie and I have no idea what's about to happen," Richardson told the Wall Street Journal. "It's a very ambitious massive experiment."
Despite the heavy reliance on AI, the film isn't entirely machine-made. The production team is hiring professional voice actors to bring characters to life, while human artists create initial sketches that are then fed into OpenAI's tools, including GPT-5 and advanced image-generating models like Sora. The script comes from writers who also worked on "Paddington in Peru," ensuring human creativity remains at the story's core.
The Cannes Gambit
Choosing Cannes as the debut venue is a calculated risk. The festival, known for its discerning audiences and celebration of auteur cinema, represents one of the most tradition-rich venues in the film world. If "Critterz" can win over Cannes, it could legitimize AI filmmaking in the eyes of the broader industry.
However, early reactions to AI-generated content have been mixed. Regardless, if successful, "Critterz" could fundamentally alter the economics of animated filmmaking. The ability to produce feature-length films in nine months for under $30 million would democratize animation production, allowing smaller studios and independent creators to compete with major Hollywood players.
