At the Venice Film Festival in late August 2025, two-time Oscar winner Christoph Waltz ignited debate with his blunt statement that CGI is “for losers,” stirring controversy amid the film industry. The remark came as Waltz and director Guillermo del Toro were promoting their new film, Frankenstein, which notably uses a blend of practical effects and visual effects, raising questions about respect for CGI artists and the technology’s role in modern filmmaking.
Christoph Waltz’s Remark on CGI Ignites Industry Backlash
During a media interaction surrounding Frankenstein’s premiere, Waltz made a deadpan joke declaring CGI as “for losers” when asked about the use of practical effects in the film. Although it initially earned some laughs and claps, the comment soon drew criticism for its dismissive tone toward the CGI community. The remark sparked discomfort because CGI artists represent an essential but often underappreciated part of the filmmaking process, and many wondered whom Waltz’s comment was targeting.
The interpretation of his words left many guessing. Was Waltz disparaging A-list actors known for starring in heavily CGI-dependent blockbusters such as Alita: Battle Angel, Spectre, The Legend of Tarzan, The Green Hornet, or The Zero Theorem? Notably, one actor appears in all of these films. Another possibility was that Waltz aimed at directors specializing in CGI-rich movies like Pacific Rim, Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, or Crimson Peak. However, since Guillermo del Toro, the director of these titles, was present and seated nearby, it seemed unlikely Waltz would openly insult his boss in public.
Less plausibly, Waltz could have meant to criticize CGI enthusiasts or audiences, though offending fans would be counterproductive for actors reliant on ticket sales. The most concerning interpretation is that Waltz belittled the CGI artists themselves—the skilled workforce behind visual effects—who often endure underpayment, job insecurity, and lack of recognition despite their critical contributions to film production.
Director Guillermo del Toro Responds to Clarify CGI’s Value
Shortly after Waltz’s contentious comment, Guillermo del Toro sought to address the issue. While acknowledging the presence of digital effects in Frankenstein, del Toro emphasized the importance of how tools are utilized:
“When you grab resources as a filmmaker, there is no bad resource. There are badly used resources. We have digital effects [in our film], but you only do it at the limit of the physical. It is not an easy solution. The more you have experience with the tools, the more you know how to work with them.”
—Guillermo del Toro, Director
Del Toro’s statement highlighted that visual effects, whether practical or digital, require mastery and thoughtful application, reinforcing the value of CGI artists’ labor as an integral part of filmmaking. His comments appeared to soothe tensions, reminding observers of the collaborative effort behind the final screen product.
The Broader Context of the Visual Effects Industry’s Challenges
Waltz’s dismissive quip struck a nerve amid an ongoing crisis in the visual effects sector. VFX professionals face demanding working conditions, insufficient compensation, and limited recognition, despite their work enabling the success of many high-profile films. Their expertise transforms scripts and ideas into breathtaking visuals that attract audiences, yet the industry’s structural issues persist.
Industry veterans like James Cameron have spoken out about the cost and sustainability challenges visual effects pose to big-budget productions and jobs. Cameron recently expressed a desire to see costs for VFX artists reduced to protect the future of elaborate effects-driven movies. Meanwhile, visual effects workers continue to voice their struggles with overwhelming workloads and precarious employment.
The situation has drawn attention through essays and documentaries examining the fragile state of the VFX world. Despite their essential craft, many artists often lose out in recognition and job security, making Waltz’s “losers” comment particularly insensitive to those dedicated professionals.
Frankenstein’s Blend of Practical and Digital Effects
In making Frankenstein, the creative team relied on a combination of physical and digital effects to bring the story to life. The film’s visual effects were overseen by VFX Supervisor Dennis Berardi, with Stacey Dodge serving as VFX Producer. The work was carried out by respected studios including Herne Hill Media, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) supervised by Ivan Busquets, Ticket VFX, Hotspring, BOT VFX, and Yannix. This collaborative effort reflects the complex, multifaceted nature of contemporary movie production.
The care with which Frankenstein balances practical methods and CGI highlights an ongoing tension in the film world about which form of effects is preferable or more “authentic.” Waltz’s comment unfortunately oversimplified this debate, overlooking the expertise and hard work behind both mediums.
What the Controversy Means for the Industry’s Future
Christoph Waltz’s comment underscores a growing divide that exists within Hollywood’s embrace of technology. While digital effects have revolutionized storytelling, they depend heavily on the skilled artists who design and implement them. Dismissing their craft risks undervaluing a crucial sector that supports not only directors and actors but the entire cinematic experience.
The backlash may prompt actors and filmmakers alike to reconsider their words and attitudes about visual effects, promoting greater respect for all contributors. As visual effects continue evolving rapidly, industry leaders might increase efforts to improve working conditions and recognition for artists whose creativity and technical skill help shape modern cinema.
Ultimately, this episode reveals the need for the film community to appreciate the full spectrum of talent required to create blockbuster hits and award contenders, embracing both traditional practical effects and cutting-edge CGI rather than pitting them against each other.
