Will a major anime studio (MAPPA, Bones, Madhouse) release a feature film that utilizes a generative AI engine for over 25% of its in-between frames before 2028?

Generative AI in Animation: 25% In-Between Frames by 2028

Anime studios are under immense pressure to increase production speed while maintaining quality. The labor-intensive task of 'in-betweening' (drawing the frames between key frames) is a major bottleneck. This prediction states that a major studio will utilize a generative AI engine to create over 25% of the in-between frames for a high-profile, theatrically released feature film before the end of 2028.

The Search for Efficiency

While AI has been used for coloring and minor digital assistance, automating a quarter of the in-betweening work represents a major, public shift in the core animation pipeline. The technology required for this must be highly reliable, consistent with the director's style, and fast enough to be a net positive.

The move would be a response to the severe labor shortage and scheduling crunch in the anime industry. The 2028 deadline is aggressive but reflects the rapid development pace of generative video models capable of maintaining complex, high-resolution visual continuity.