Simu Liu, known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently expressed strong opposition to the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Hollywood, particularly regarding its application in replacing human extras. The rising debate around AI in filmmaking has divided opinions, as some view it as a cost-saving tool, while others argue it diminishes the value of human labor and creativity. Liu’s comments came amid discussions about AI’s potential impact on the film industry’s workforce.
Kevin O’Leary Proposes Replacing Extras with AI Agents
Investor and TV host Kevin O’Leary, who stars in the upcoming film Marty Supreme, suggested that AI could serve as a substitute for human extras to cut production expenses. O’Leary noted that some scenes require as many as 150 extras, who must remain alert and appropriately dressed for long hours despite being in the background. Highlighting the high costs involved, he argued for the efficiency of AI agents to fill these background roles, potentially saving millions of dollars.
O’Leary explained,
“Almost every scene had as many as 150 extras. Now, those people have to stay awake for 18 hours, be completely dressed in the background. [They’re] not necessarily in the movie, but they’re necessary to be there moving around. And yet, it costs millions of dollars to do that,”
he said.
“Why couldn’t you simply put AI agents in their place? Because they’re not the main actors. They’re only in the story visually. [You could] save millions of dollars, so more movies could be made. The same director, instead of spending $90 million or whatever he spent, could’ve spent $35 million and made two movies.”
Simu Liu Criticizes Proposal, Defends Livelihoods of Extras
In response to O’Leary’s remarks, Simu Liu voiced his frustration, emphasizing the disparity between the wages of extras and those of higher-profile industry members. Liu criticized the suggestion to replace extras with AI by pointing out the economic difficulties faced by these background performers, who earn modest hourly rates.
He tweeted,
“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, Actor
Industry Figures Voice Concerns Over AI’s Role in Filmmaking
Liu is not alone in opposing AI’s incursion into human roles in filmmaking. Director Guillermo del Toro expressed his vehement disapproval, comparing AI technology to Victor Frankenstein’s fictional quest to cheat death. Del Toro stated that he would rather die than incorporate AI in his movies, underscoring the emotional and artistic risks involved with delegating creative tasks to machines.
The controversy intensified after the debut of Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated performer, which sparked fears over the replacement of human actors. In reaction, the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA issued a statement firmly opposing the substitution of human performers with synthetic creations.
SAG-AFTRA declared,
“believes creativity is, and should remain, human-centered. The union is opposed to the replacement of human performers by synthetics.”
?SAG-AFTRA, Union Statement
The union further criticized the AI-generated character Tilly Norwood, emphasizing the ethical and professional implications of using computer-generated performances trained on the work of numerous actors without consent or payment.
They added,
“To be clear, ‘Tilly Norwood’ is not an actor, it’s a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers — without permission or compensation,”
and continued,
“It has no life experience to draw from, no emotion and, from what we’ve seen, audiences aren’t interested in watching computer-generated content untethered from the human experience. It doesn’t solve any ‘problem’ — it creates the problem of using stolen performances to put actors out of work, jeopardizing performer livelihoods and devaluing human artistry.”
?SAG-AFTRA, Union Statement
The Complex Implications for Cast and Crew Amid AI Adoption
While Simu Liu’s criticisms specifically address AI replacing extras rather than leading actors, his stance aligns with SAG-AFTRA’s broader defense of human creativity in the face of rapid technology adoption. The challenge of protecting income and job security for below-the-line workers in an era of advancing AI remains complex and nuanced. Cost-cutting measures like O’Leary’s proposal, although financially appealing to producers, may undermine the livelihoods of many who contribute to the film industry’s fabric.
The ongoing Simu Liu AI Hollywood debate highlights a deeper tension between embracing innovation for efficiency and preserving the human touch essential to storytelling and performance. As this discussion heats up, the industry’s future approach to AI will influence both artistic integrity and economic sustainability for performers and crews.
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
