Simu Liu has strongly criticized Hollywood’s recent plans to replace background actors with artificial intelligence, responding to investor Kevin O’Leary’s suggestion that AI could help filmmakers cut costs. Liu highlighted the hardships faced by extras who earn modest wages while underscoring the importance of their roles within the industry, amid ongoing debates about AI’s growing presence in film production.
Simu Liu Challenges Cost-Cutting AI Proposal in Film Background Roles
During a discussion about the making of Marty Supreme, Kevin O’Leary proposed that productions could save millions by substituting human extras with AI-generated characters. This proposal ignited backlash within Hollywood, notably from Simu Liu, star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, who took to X to call out the flaws in O’Leary’s stance. Liu emphasized that blaming low-paid extras, who earn between $15 to $22 an hour, misses the mark when it is the highly-paid above-the-line talent who make millions.
sure, blame the extras making 15-22 dollars an hour struggling to make a living and not above the line people making multiple millions.— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) October 24, 2025
Filmmaker Steven DeKnight also condemned O’Leary’s comments as “insulting and tone deaf,” aligning with Liu’s defense of background actors.
I’m with Simu. This is insulting and tone deaf. https://t.co/93v7aBgNjs— Steven DeKnight (@stevendeknight) October 24, 2025
Understanding Why AI Cannot Replace Background Actors Adequately
O’Leary framed his argument around saving money in film budgets, suggesting that replacing human extras with AI could free up funds to finance additional projects. While costs for blockbuster films have reached extraordinary heights—Marvel itself looking at reducing expenses—extras’ wages represent only a small slice of the overall budget. According to Liu, the deeper issue lies in the high salaries of top-billed talent rather than the relatively low earnings of those in background roles.
Extras contribute not just by filling scenes, but by serving as a vital stepping stone for emerging actors. Though their screen time can be limited, appearing as a background actor provides invaluable connections with directors, fellow actors, and crew members, potentially opening doors to larger roles in the future. Liu’s own career included work as an extra and stuntman before rising to fame as Shang-Chi, reflecting the significance of these entry-level roles for career growth.
The Financial Context of Marty Supreme and Hollywood Cost Challenges
O’Leary’s remarks came in relation to Marty Supreme, a sports-themed dramedy with a production budget reportedly between $60 million and $70 million before marketing. By Hollywood standards, particularly when compared to blockbusters with budgets nearing $200 million, this film remains modestly budgeted. While it may not reach the box office heights of Marvel or Star Wars films, Marty Supreme stands a reasonable chance of turning a profit, especially when revenue from premium video-on-demand rentals and home media sales is considered.
Ongoing Industry Debates on AI Use and Legal Protections
The conversation about AI’s role in film intensified during the SAG-AFTRA strike negotiations two years ago, when studios proposed digitizing background actors’ likenesses. This plan suggested paying extras for a single day of work but then using their digital scans indefinitely without further compensation. Although the current agreements include protections that limit AI’s use in this manner, the topic remains contentious, threatening to reshape employment in Hollywood.
Creative professionals like Simu Liu and Steven DeKnight continue to advocate against the unchecked use of AI, defending the livelihoods of many who rely on traditional filmmaking jobs. Their vocal opposition amplifies the concerns of countless performers whose careers depend on real-world opportunities rather than digital replacements.
The Importance of Preserving Background Work for Industry Sustainability
Replacing extras with AI doesn’t only risk job losses but may also disrupt the organic development of talent within the industry. With fewer opportunities to gain on-set experience and build professional relationships, many aspiring actors would lose a critical platform for advancement. Liu’s personal journey—from extra and stuntman to leading Marvel star—illustrates how essential these roles are as part of the larger Hollywood ecosystem.
As technology continues to evolve, the entertainment industry faces an ongoing challenge: balancing innovation with the protection of human workers who contribute to the art of filmmaking. The heated debate surrounding AI in Hollywood highlights these tensions and the need for thoughtful policies that safeguard those most vulnerable to rapid technological change.
sure, blame the extras making 15-22 dollars an hour struggling to make a living and not above the line people making multiple millions.
— Simu Liu (@SimuLiu) October 24, 2025
I’m with Simu. This is insulting and tone deaf. https://t.co/93v7aBgNjs
— Steven DeKnight (@stevendeknight) October 24, 2025
