The Book of Life Director Sparks Significant Backlash Over New AI Amazon Animated Series, Vows to Report Death Threats
Jorge R. Gutierrez, acclaimed animator and creator of El Tigre and The Book of Life, has ignited significant backlash after announcing he will develop an AI-animated series for Amazon. The decision marks a dramatic reversal for Gutierrez, who publicly opposed AI animation in 2024, warning it would harm the animation ecosystem.
Amazon recently established an AI creator fund designed to encourage content creators to adopt artificial intelligence for television and film production. Gutierrez is among the first creators to participate in the initiative, working on an AI-animated series titled Punky Duck. He described the compressed timeline from initial pitch to greenlight as unexpectedly rapid.
The announcement has generated substantial criticism from animation industry professionals and advocates concerned about AI’s impact on employment and artistic integrity. Gutierrez has reported receiving death threats in response to his decision, vowing to report the serious harassment through appropriate channels. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions within creative industries as established figures navigate the contentious shift toward AI-assisted production methods.