**Jeremy Renner Takes Legal Action Against Filmmaker Over AI-Related Movie Project**
Jeremy Renner, known for his role as Hawkeye, has initiated legal action against filmmaker Yi Zhou amid a growing dispute involving an AI-related movie project. Reports indicate that Renner has threatened to sue Zhou for millions, accusing her of defamation and the unauthorized use of his name and voice.
**Cease-and-Desist Letter Issued**
On November 7, 2025, Renner’s attorney, John H. Lavely Jr. of Lavely & Singer, sent a cease-and-desist letter to director Yi Zhou. The letter demands that Zhou immediately stop using Renner’s name, likeness, or voice in any project outside of the Disney documentary he was involved in. The document, obtained by Deadline, accuses Zhou of “spreading salacious lies” and warns of potential “multi-millions of dollars in liability” stemming from defamation and misappropriation claims.
Additionally, the letter alleges that Zhou “aggressively” pursued a relationship with Renner. It also claims that Zhou used Renner’s voice without authorization in the AI-animated project _Stardust Futures: Stars and Scars_. According to Lavely’s letter, Renner “has no knowledge of and did not willingly participate in any AI generated animation or other project.” His only known involvement, the letter states, was with the Disney documentary _Masters of Cinema 2: Chronicles of Disney_.
**Zhou Disputes Claims**
In response, Yi Zhou disputes these allegations. She asserts that Renner “fully agreed in writing” to narrate _Stardust Futures_, pointing to a signed Talent Release Form dated September 15, which she says covers “all promotional, derivative, or related works.” Zhou maintains that the film uses Renner’s real voice and emphasizes that AI technology cannot replicate a person’s voice without their consent.
Zhou also raised concerns about a potential “conflict of interest,” noting that the law firm Lavely & Singer had previously represented her in another case.
**Counter Legal Measures**
On October 29, Zhou sent her own cease-and-desist letter to Renner. In it, she warned that she would seek “injunctive relief, monetary damages, and legal fees” if the matter escalates.
As the dispute continues to unfold, both parties remain at odds over the use of Renner’s voice and likeness in connection with the AI-driven project. Further developments are expected as legal proceedings advance.
https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/2060629-jeremy-renner-ai-movie-director-lawsuit-millions-letter-yi-zhou
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