# Margot Robbie’s Neighbours scenes become AI microdrama without cast consultation

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/neighbours-is-being-recut-into-a-microdrama-focused-on-margot-robbie-and-her-co-stars-arent-happy/
- Published: 2026-10-25T14:00:06+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-25T14:22:17+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2026/oct/26/neighbours-soap-recut-ai-microdrama-mobile-series-feat-margot-robbie
- Topics: AI, Americas, Celebrity, Entertainment, Technology, World

## Key points

- Robbie’s Neighbours storylines are being adapted into vertical phone episodes.
- Former cast members say they were not consulted about the project.
- The adaptation raises questions about consent and archive reuse.

## Summary

Neighbours footage featuring Margot Robbie is being recut with AI into a mobile-first microdrama, prompting concern from former cast members who say they were not consulted. The project raises questions about consent and how television archives can be reused as new formats and AI tools reshape the industry.

RoseBerry Media is adapting two storylines featuring Robbie’s character, Donna Freedman, who appeared on the soap from 2008 to 2011; together they will make about 150 minutes of vertical content for its Epis platform. Actor Matthew Werkmeister said he had not been notified and was unsure whether his original contract covered AI or vertical streaming, while Stefan Dennis called the project invasive and said he was seeking advice. The article says residuals are expected to be paid under existing agreements. The global microdrama market was estimated at up to US$15bn last year, and Neighbours has broadcast more than 9,300 episodes.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.