The trend of using Open AI’s ChatGPT to create AI images in the distinctive style of Studio Ghibli probably should have ceased the moment the official White House X account hopped aboard. But there’s a new wrinkle in the story today, as one of the trend’s proponents posted a cease and desist notice they claimed to have received from Studio Ghibli representatives—which fellow social media users immediately called out as being as fake as the “art” that inspired it.
Along with the (fake) letter, X user teej used the platform to defend what they’d done, writing in part: “AI creators deserve protection, not punishment. Expression is sacred. Imagination is not illegal. If I have to be a martyr to prove that, so be it.”
It’s hard not to chuckle at this response to, let’s see, typing a prompt into a program so that it can create an AI image blatantly ripping off hours of hard work and creativity from actual human artists, including the great Hayao Miyazaki and his Ghibli team.
At this point, we can go ahead and add another fake to the growing pile: the persecution complex being felt by AI “creators” who realize now they did something that made a lot of people justifiably annoyed. Take responsibility for one’s own actions? This is 2025! We don’t do that anymore! Better point the finger at someone else, even if that other person is crafted from thin air!
While Studio Ghibli has yet to make a public statement about OpenAI cannibalizing its works, it’s hard not to read into remarks from a Gkids representative regarding the box-office success currently being enjoyed by Princess Mononoke, which hit IMAX theaters in a 4K restoration this week in honor of its 40th anniversary.
“In a time when technology tries to replicate humanity, we are thrilled that audiences value a theatrical experience that respects and celebrates Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli’s masterpiece in all its cinematic hand-drawn glory,” Chance Huskey, VP of distribution for Gkids, said in a statement quoted in Variety. Screenings are still ongoing and you can find out details here.
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