Alcon sues Musk and Tesla for unauthorized use of 'Blade Runner'

The production company behind “Blade Runner 2049,” Alcon Entertainment, has filed a lawsuit against billionaire Elon Musk, his electric vehicle company Tesla and Warner Bros. Discovery. The lawsuit alleges unauthorized use of footage from the film to promote Tesla’s autonomous vehicle, the “Robotaxi.”

According to a New York Times report, Alcon Entertainment officials claim that AI-generated images featuring scenes from “Blade Runner 2049” were used without permission during the Robotaxi’s October 10 unveiling. These images reportedly included a digital likeness of actor Ryan. Gosling.

Alcon representatives said they denied Musk’s request to use footage from the film because of what they described as “extremely political, capricious and arbitrary behavior,” which they said , sometimes bordered on hate speech. As a result, they filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Musk, Tesla, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

Additionally, officials said they are discussing partnering with other auto brands for their upcoming television series “Blade Runner 2099,” in an effort to avoid jeopardizing those negotiations.

Warner Bros. Discovery not only distributed “Blade Runner 2049”, but also hosted the presentation of Robotaxi.

About “Blade Runner 2049”

The first “Blade Runner”, directed by Ridley Scott, was released in 1982. Its sequel, “Blade Runner 2049”, directed by Denis Villeneuve, is renowned for its visual storytelling and thematic depth, continuing the legacy of his predecessor.