Elon Musk, Tesla, and Warner Bros. Discovery are facing a lawsuit from Blade Runner 2049 producers, Alcon Entertainment, for allegedly using an AI-generated image resembling a scene from the iconic sci-fi film during Tesla’s Robotaxi announcement. Alcon claims that Tesla had originally requested permission to use a still from the film but was denied, prompting them to use AI to create a similar image instead.
The lawsuit, filed by Alcon Entertainment, accuses Musk and Tesla of “massive economic theft” for displaying the unauthorized image during Musk’s keynote presentation on October 10. Musk referenced the dystopian imagery of Blade Runner 2049 when introducing the Robotaxi, saying that Tesla’s goal was to avoid the dark future portrayed in the film. However, Alcon contends that Tesla’s use of the AI-generated image was a deliberate attempt to link Tesla’s new self-driving car to a well-known Hollywood brand without proper authorization.
Tesla’s Robotaxi keynote. Source: Tesla
The lawsuit claims that deals between Blade Runner 2049 and automotive brands have fetched significant financial deals in the past, suggesting that Tesla and Musk tried to capitalize on the film’s association without following proper legal procedures. Alcon is also seeking damages for copyright infringement and false endorsement.
Stills from Blade Runner 2049. Source: Alcon Entertainment
In addition to Musk and Tesla, Warner Bros. Discovery, which owns the location where the Robotaxi keynote took place, is also named as a defendant in the lawsuit. Neither Musk nor Tesla has issued a statement in response to the legal action.
The Robotaxi, or Cybercab, was unveiled with plans for release before 2027. Despite the lawsuit, Musk remains optimistic, stating, “I think it’s going to be a glorious future.”
