Higgsfield, an artificial intelligence startup, is pushing boundaries in filmmaking with its latest project “Cully Hill Boys,” which features AI-generated characters based on recognizable public figures. The 110-minute production marks what the company claims is the first AI-generated film to use legally licensed celebrity likenesses, incorporating digital avatars of streamer N3on, UFC fighter Israel Adesanya, actor and fighter Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and basketball influencer Matt Kiatipis.
The film, directed by Aitore Zholdaskali and based on a screenplay acquired from the Black List submission platform, is not intended for theatrical release or general public consumption. Instead, Higgsfield plans to use it as a demonstration of its Cinema Studio platform, hoping to convince major Hollywood studios to adopt the technology as they explore artificial intelligence applications in production.
Screenwriter Tim Planagan expressed enthusiasm about seeing his script adapted through AI technology after declining previous offers from traditional producers who wanted to significantly alter his vision. The project required minimal participation from the public figures involved—N3on noted that his contribution consisted only of a brief voice recording and photographs. Despite ongoing industry concerns about AI and its impact on creative professionals, Planagan indicated willingness to collaborate with Higgsfield on future projects using similar methods.
The announcement comes months after Higgsfield’s completely AI-generated film “Hell Grind” stirred controversy within the entertainment sector, highlighting the growing tension between artificial intelligence innovation and traditional filmmaking practices.
Originally reported by Variety →
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