Backed by execs from OpenAI and DeepMind, the UK startup is blending generative AI with original content production — and eyeing IP ownership amid industry backlash
A New Player on Hollywood’s AI Frontier
Wonder Studios, a London-based AI creative studio, has raised $12 million in seed funding to accelerate its mission of bringing generative AI into mainstream entertainment. The round was led by Atomico, with continued backing from LocalGlobe and Blackbird, and early support from executives at DeepMind, OpenAI, and ElevenLabs.
- The new funds will double the engineering team
- Push further into IP ownership and original content
- Scale up production of both commercial and in-house projects
The funding marks a pivotal moment as Wonder positions itself at the center of the AI-content evolution in Hollywood.
AI Tools, Human Stories
Wonder has already made headlines for its AI-generated music video for Lewis Capaldi’s “Something in the Heavens”, created in partnership with DeepMind, YouTube, and Universal Music Group.
It also debuted its first original series, the “Beyond the Loop” anthology, signaling its intent to build — not just support — creative IP.
Upcoming projects include:
- A new documentary with Campfire Studios (makers of Netflix hits like “The Menendez Brothers” and “America’s Sweethearts”)
- A slate of original productions scheduled for 2026
- An in-app platform designed to connect creators with AI tools, collaborators, and career opportunities
“We’re creating a bridge where technology and artistry grow together,” said co-founder Justin Hackney.
Ownership in an Era of Legal Uncertainty
As Wonder leans into IP development, it also steps into a legal gray area. The entertainment industry is increasingly litigious around AI:
- Disney and Universal Studios have sued AI firms like MiniMax and Midjourney over alleged misuse of copyrighted content.
- OpenAI’s Sora 2 has drawn fire for generating actor likenesses without consent.
In this climate, Wonder’s focus on owning its own AI-generated IP could serve both as a creative moat and legal shield.
A Divisive But Inevitable Shift
AI’s role in content creation is controversial. While Netflix embraces AI as a storytelling enhancer, many artists fear the tech threatens their livelihoods, originality, and consent. Wonder, however, is marketing itself as a creator-first platform.
- Its app ecosystem provides tools for grassroots filmmakers
- The aim is to make high-end storytelling tech accessible, not exclusive
- Wonder frames itself as a kind of “Hollywood without borders”
This approach may help the company attract both institutional partners and independent talent, amid growing scrutiny of the ethics behind AI-generated content.
