In a blockbuster courtroom clash, Disney, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Universal joined forces Tuesday to sue Chinese artificial intelligence firm MiniMax, accusing it of exploiting Hollywood’s most beloved characters—from Spider-Man to Darth Vader—to churn out what they call “an endless supply of pirated images and videos.”

A Hollywood Studio in Your Pocket—Or Piracy at Scale?

Founded in 2021, MiniMax operates Hailuo AI, a flashy service it markets as a “Hollywood studio in your pocket.” But the lawsuit claims its secret ingredient isn’t innovation—it’s theft. The complaint accuses MiniMax of building its tools by ripping copyrighted content on a massive scale, encouraging users to create and download infringing media featuring iconic characters.

One ad allegedly lured subscribers with videos of Disney’s Groot and Rocket Raccoon, alongside Warner Bros.’ Supergirl. The suit says users can type in a simple prompt—“Spider-Man swinging between buildings”—and instantly receive polished, branded downloads of the superhero in action.

Heavyweights of Hollywood Strike Back

The plaintiffs represent some of the most powerful names in entertainment:

• Disney-affiliated entities including Disney Enterprises, Marvel Characters, Lucasfilm, and Twentieth Century Fox.

• Universal affiliates such as Universal City Studios and DreamWorks Animation.

• Warner Bros. affiliates including DC Comics, Cartoon Network, Turner Entertainment, and Hanna-Barbera.

Together, they own the creative DNA of Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, The Simpsons, and Toy Story—a cultural empire that MiniMax allegedly hijacked.

Willful and Brazen Infringement, Lawsuit Claims

According to the suit, MiniMax ignored repeated requests to adopt safeguards used by other AI platforms to prevent infringement. Instead, the company allegedly leaned into piracy—even using copyrighted characters in its ads.

“MiniMax’s copyright infringement is willful and brazen,” the complaint declares. With over $850 million raised in venture capital and a reported valuation near $4 billion, plaintiffs argue MiniMax has profited handsomely while trampling U.S. copyright law.

The complaint includes claims of direct and secondary copyright infringement, seeking unspecified damages and further relief.

Hollywood Draws a Line in the Sand

Disney, Warner Bros., and NBCUniversal issued a joint statement framing the case as a defense of creativity:

“We support innovation that enhances human creativity while protecting the contributions of countless creators. A responsible approach to AI innovation is critical, and today’s lawsuit against MiniMax demonstrates our shared commitment to holding accountable those who violate copyright laws.”

MiniMax did not immediately comment.

The studios are represented by David R. Singer, Julie A. Shepard, and Lauren M. Greene of Jenner & Block LLP. Counsel for MiniMax was not yet listed.