Super Mario Galaxy AI Disclaimer: Protecting Creative Works from AI Training
The Super Mario Galaxy film has made a significant statement in the ongoing debate about artificial intelligence and copyrighted content. As a viewer, I was struck by a particular detail in the closing credits—a clear and firm disclaimer regarding the use of the film’s content for AI training.
Source: The new Super Mario Galaxy film contains an explicit disclaimer against using its content for AI training.
Quick Summary
- The Super Mario Galaxy film includes an explicit disclaimer in its end credits prohibiting its use for AI training.
- Universal Pictures, the distributor, began implementing this AI notice in all its films starting June 2025.
- The disclaimer references Article 4, Paragraph 3 of Directive (EU) 2019/790, reserving all rights against data mining or AI training.
- Nintendo acknowledges AI as a tool but prioritizes human creativity in game development.
- The film has achieved significant box office success, grossing over $400 million globally.
- This move highlights a growing trend among content creators to protect intellectual property from AI algorithms.
The Disclaimer's Details
In a move reflecting growing industry concern, the new Super Mario Galaxy film includes a specific disclaimer in its end credits prohibiting the use of the movie for training artificial intelligence. This statement, found among copyright notices, underscores a broader shift in how content creators and distributors are addressing AI’s development. Universal Pictures, the film’s distributor, began incorporating this AI-specific notice into all its releases in June 2025, starting with "How to Train Your Dragon".
The full warning emphasizes that the film is protected by laws in the United States and other countries. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or exhibition could lead to civil and criminal penalties. Crucially, it explicitly reserves all rights for the work against data mining or AI training, referencing Article 4, Paragraph 3 of Directive (EU) 2019/790. The disclaimer unequivocally states: "This work may not be used to train AI." This stands in contrast to the first Super Mario Bros. film, which did not feature such an AI annotation. Universal has since extended this AI disclaimer to other films, including "Jurassic World Rebirth" and "Bad Guys 2."
❝ This work may not be used to train AI ❞
Film Distributor
Source: simplywallpaper.net
Universal Pictures began incorporating AI-specific notices into all its releases, extending to films like "Jurassic World Rebirth" and "Bad Guys 2."
Nintendo's Stance on AI
Nintendo’s position on AI, as articulated by key figures, reveals a nuanced perspective. Chris Meledandri, head of Illumination (the animation studio behind both The Super Mario Bros. Movie and The Super Mario Galaxy Film), stated in a 2023 Bloomberg interview that AI represents "a wave that is coming" and that creative professionals should consider it "another tool." This suggests an openness to AI’s potential as an assistant, even as the company actively protects its copyrighted material.
❝ a wave that is coming ❞
Head of Illumination
❝ another tool ❞Head of Illumination
Doug Bowser, former President of Nintendo of America, confirmed in 2025 that Nintendo was internally discussing the technology. Bowser emphasized Nintendo’s belief that the unique quality of their games stems from human developers and their artistic abilities, prioritizing human creativity in game development. Nintendo has previously engaged with AI, including a now-discontinued partnership with OpenAI for the Sora app.
Source: mariowiki.com
Doug Bowser, former President of Nintendo of America, stated that Nintendo was internally discussing AI, prioritizing human creativity while protecting copyrighted material.
The Super Mario Galaxy Film: Visuals and Reception
The Super Mario Galaxy film, which premiered on April 1st in Australia, the UK, and the USA, has already achieved significant box office success, grossing over $400 million and becoming the seventh-highest-grossing gaming film of all time. The film features an impressive voice cast:
| Character | Voice Actor |
|---|---|
| Mario | Chris Pratt |
| Luigi | Charlie Day |
| Princess Peach | Anya Taylor-Joy |
| Rosalina | Brie Larson |
| Bowser Jr. | Benny Safdie |
| Bowser | Jack Black |
The plot follows Mario and Luigi as they strive to prevent Bowser Jr. from freeing his father, Bowser, and restoring the family legacy. They are joined by Toad and Rosalina, encountering Yoshi along their journey. Critics have described the film as "visually stunning but narratively overloaded." Its animation visually surpasses its predecessor with vibrant colors and meticulously designed worlds, experimenting with two-dimensional and three-dimensional animations and varied framerates. Brian Taylor’s film score is a highlight, interweaving playful melodies and references from forty years of Nintendo history.
❝ visually stunning but narratively overloaded ❞
Role unknown
One review, however, controversially called The Super Mario Galaxy Film a "bland screensaver of a movie that’s actually worse than AI." The film primarily targets an audience that appreciates visual stimulation and nostalgia more than demanding dramatic narratives. Despite its visual richness, some critics feel the 99-minute film simultaneously feels too long and too short, suggesting its expansive universe setting might have been better suited for a later installment. This indicates that the gap between critical reception and audience enjoyment may be wider than for the first film.
❝ bland screensaver of a movie that’s actually worse than AI ❞
Role unknown
Broader Industry Implications
The discussion surrounding the use of AI with copyrighted material has intensified significantly in recent years. The film, music, and art industries are grappling with how to safeguard their works from AI utilization. Despite legal disclaimers, creative sectors also acknowledge AI’s potential as a tool for creative processes, highlighting a complex and evolving relationship. This dynamic reflects the ongoing challenge of balancing technological advancement with intellectual property rights.
Nintendo’s next cinematic venture, The Legend of Zelda, is scheduled for release in 2027 and will be produced in collaboration with Sony Pictures, rather than Universal. This indicates a potential diversification in their film partnerships and perhaps varying approaches to AI disclaimers across different studios.
Conclusion
The explicit AI training disclaimer in The Super Mario Galaxy Film marks a significant development in the ongoing dialogue between content creators and the burgeoning world of artificial intelligence. It highlights a growing trend among studios to assert control over their intellectual property in the face of AI’s data-hungry algorithms. While Nintendo recognizes AI’s potential as a tool, its emphasis on human creativity and its protective measures suggest a clear boundary: AI may assist, but it will not circumvent the rights of the artists and companies who build these digital worlds. As other industries face similar challenges, the entertainment sector’s responses, particularly those from influential players like Nintendo and Universal, will likely set precedents for the future of AI and creative works.
What is an AI disclaimer in a film?
An AI disclaimer is a legal notice, often found in the end credits of a film, that explicitly prohibits the use of the film's content for training artificial intelligence models or for data mining purposes.
Why are film studios adding AI disclaimers?
Film studios are adding these disclaimers to protect their intellectual property and copyrighted material from unauthorized use by AI systems. This is a response to the growing concern that AI training without permission could infringe on creators' rights and devalue original content.
Is this a new trend?
Yes, it is a relatively new trend. Universal Pictures, for example, began incorporating AI-specific notices into all its new releases starting in June 2025, indicating a proactive approach by major distributors.
Does this mean Nintendo is against AI?
Not necessarily. While Nintendo is taking steps to protect its copyrighted works, figures like Chris Meledandri have stated that AI is "a wave that is coming" and should be viewed as "another tool." This suggests a nuanced view where AI can assist creative processes but should not replace human creativity or exploit existing works without permission.