Jeremy Renner is set to voice the AI-animated film “Stardust Future: Stars and Scars,” a pioneering project described as the first feature-length movie created entirely with artificial intelligence. This film is scheduled for release in November.
Collaboration and Role
This project marks a reunion between Renner and director Yi Zhou, following their work together on the documentary “Chronicles of Disney.” In “Stardust Future,” Renner lends his voice to the Oracle of Time, a narrator guiding viewers through a narrative that spans from the inception of the universe to the year 2080.
Renner’s Return to Voice Work
This role represents a comeback for Renner, who faced a serious snowplow accident in 2023. The film aims to compete in various Oscar categories, such as Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score, among others, under the banner of Zhou’s production company, Into the Sun Entertainment.
Innovative Animation Techniques
Zhou has developed a unique approach that blends 2D and 3D animation techniques, a signature style she refers to as a distinct narrative methodology. This artistic choice mirrors the film’s themes, highlighting contrasts between past and present as well as imagination and reality.
A Notable Artistic Contribution
The score for “Stardust Future” includes compositions by Yi Zhou and rearrangements of pieces by the late Ennio Morricone, performed by the Into the Sun Collective. Additionally, fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg is featured in the film as a 3D digital rendering.
Charitable Initiatives
A portion of the film’s revenue will be donated to two charitable organizations: Renner’s Rennervation Foundation, which supports foster youth, and the Motion Picture and Television Fund, aiding entertainment industry workers affected by the recent California wildfires.
Thematic Exploration
“Stardust Future” delves into significant issues, such as climate change, conflict, and mortality. It poses philosophical questions about technology’s role in achieving a natural balance. Zhou envisions this film as a blend of human perseverance and machinery’s creativity, using AI to explore humanity’s past and future.
Director’s Vision
Yi Zhou emphasizes that AI serves as a tool for enhancing human creativity rather than replacing it. She believes in its potential to create what she terms an “immortalityscape,” where art, memory, and technology converge time and again.
About Yi Zhou and Production
Zhou is a multimedia artist with experience showcased in prestigious venues such as the Venice Biennale and Sundance. Her production company, Into the Sun Entertainment, operates across Los Angeles, Rome, and Hong Kong, focusing on uplifting marginalized voices in the film industry.
In recent years, Renner has dedicated himself to philanthropy, establishing the Rennervation Foundation in 2024 to aid foster children and wildfire victims among others. Through “Stardust Future,” both he and Zhou aim to deliver an innovative narrative that resonates with contemporary audiences.
