Guillermo del Toro, renowned filmmaker and director of the upcoming Netflix release Frankenstein, has voiced a firm rejection of generative AI in the creative industry. Ahead of the film’s November 7, 2025 debut, del Toro addressed his concerns about AI technology during an NPR interview, emphasizing his unwillingness to use AI in his work. The director, known for his distinct artistic vision, referenced his film’s themes and his skepticism about AI’s impact on creativity and humanity.
Del Toro’s Comparison Between Victor Frankenstein and Tech Innovators
During the NPR conversation, del Toro linked the arrogance of his iconic character Victor Frankenstein to that of certain tech industry leaders rushing ahead without fully considering consequences. His criticism extends beyond AI itself to a broader worry over careless human decisions.
My concern is not artificial intelligence, but natural stupidity. I think that’s what drives most of the world’s worst features. But I did want it to have the arrogance of Victor [Frankenstein] be similar in some ways to the tech bros. He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences and I think we have to take a pause and consider where we’re going. […] AI, particularly generative AI — I am not interested, nor will I ever be interested. I’m 61, and I hope to be able to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak. […] The other day, somebody wrote me an email, said, ‘What is your stance on AI?’ And my answer was very short. I said, ‘I’d rather die.’
— Guillermo del Toro, Director
Del Toro’s Previous Critique of AI Art and Its Emotional Value
This is not the first occasion del Toro has publicly denounced AI’s role in artistic creation. At the British Film Institute event in London, he sharply dismissed the notion that AI-generated art holds the same emotional significance as human-made work, emphasizing how true art reflects deep human experiences and emotions that AI cannot replicate.
AI has demonstrated that it can do semi-compelling screensavers. That’s essentially that. The value of art is not how much it costs and how little effort it requires, it’s how much would you risk to be in its presence. How much would people pay for those screensavers? Are they going to make them cry because they lost a son? A mother? Because they misspent their youth? F*ck no.
— Guillermo del Toro, Director
Widespread Industry Adoption of AI Despite Creative Opposition
While del Toro remains firmly opposed to AI, the entertainment sector continues to integrate this technology in various ways. High-profile productions increasingly employ AI for dialogue refinement, visual effects, and digital modifications. For instance, The Brutalist enhanced lead performances using AI, and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania utilized Vanity AI to alter actors’ appearances, including aging effects. Similarly, the 2024 film Late Night With the Devil notably incorporated AI-generated imagery, sparking industry discussions.
The Russo Brothers Advocate for AI’s Role in Creativity
The use of AI in major film projects like the Russo Brothers’ The Electric State has brought a more accepting perspective toward AI tools. Joe Russo discussed the technology’s advantages while acknowledging its current limitations during an interview with The Times. He highlighted that although AI still produces errors and unpredictability—referred to as hallucinations—it is best suited for artistic and creative uses rather than critical tasks.
There’s a lot of finger-pointing and hyperbole because people are afraid. They don’t understand. But ultimately you’ll see AI used more significantly. […] Also, AI is in its generative state now, where it has, as we call them, hallucinations. You can’t do mission-critical work with something that hallucinates. That is a reason self-driving cars haven’t taken over, or why AI surgery is not taking place worldwide. But in its generative state, AI is best suited towards creativity.
— Joe Russo, Filmmaker
What Lies Ahead for AI in Hollywood and Creators Like Del Toro
The tension between AI’s growing role in entertainment and the reluctance of artists like Guillermo del Toro highlights a critical crossroads for Hollywood’s future. As AI tools continue to gain traction in the production process, questions about artistic integrity, emotional authenticity, and ethical boundaries remain pressing. Del Toro’s public disapproval underscores the concerns many creatives have about reducing human expression to algorithmic outputs, especially amid the urgency to preserve art’s emotional resonance.
With Frankenstein set to debut on Netflix, del Toro’s commentary serves as a strong statement against the proliferation of AI, reminding audiences and the industry to carefully consider the risks associated with blindly embracing new technology. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in entertainment workflows, the coming years will reveal whether the filmmakers who reject it will remain the minority or inspire a broader reexamination of technology’s place within creative arts.
