The studios allege MiniMax’s Hailuo AI service generates unauthorised images and videos of iconic characters, describing it as a “Hollywood studio in your pocket” built on stolen intellectual property. “The Hailuo service offers its subscribers an endless supply of infringing images and videos featuring Plaintiffs’ famous copyrighted characters,” the complaint states.

Examples provided include prompts producing high-quality images of Disney’s Darth Vader, branded with MiniMax’s logo. The lawsuit claims the company ignored cease-and-desist demands and continues to profit from infringing material, despite having the technology to block content such as violence or nudity.

“MiniMax’s bootlegging business model and defiance of U.S. copyright law are not only an attack on Plaintiffs and the hard-working creative community that brings the magic of movies to life, but are also a broader threat to the American motion picture industry,” the studios said.

The plaintiffs – Disney, Marvel, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox, Universal, DreamWorks, Warner Bros., DC Comics, Cartoon Network, Turner Entertainment and Hanna-Barbera – are seeking statutory damages of up to $150,000 per infringed work and an injunction.

The lawsuit follows similar actions brought against AI startup Midjourney. Disney, NBCUniversal and Warner Bros. Discovery said in a joint statement: “We support innovation that enhances human creativity while protecting the contributions of countless creators and the entire creative industry. A responsible approach to AI innovation is critical, and today’s lawsuit against MiniMax again demonstrates our shared commitment to holding accountable those who violate copyright laws, wherever they may be based.”