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Director Quits “Punky Duck” Amid Threats; Animators Debate AI

7/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Director Jorge Gutiérrez quit Amazon MGM Studios’ series “Punky Duck” after death threats and doxxing, announcing the hire Wednesday and withdrawing Friday.
Amazon MGM Studios said he could do what was best for his family and held no hard feelings.
Laika CEO Travis Knight warned AI threatens stop-motion animation, while Pixar’s Pete Docter and Disney Animation’s Jared Bush said AI tools are acceptable only when an artist’s voice leads.

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Story summary

Director Jorge Gutiérrez quit Amazon MGM Studios’ series “Punky Duck” after death threats and doxxing, announcing the hire Wednesday and withdrawing Friday.
Amazon MGM Studios said he could do what was best for his family and held no hard feelings.
Laika CEO Travis Knight warned AI threatens stop-motion animation, while Pixar’s Pete Docter and Disney Animation’s Jared Bush said AI tools are acceptable only when an artist’s voice leads.