Director Guillermo del Toro has openly declared his refusal to embrace artificial intelligence, particularly generative AI, in his filmmaking process. Speaking to NPR recently, Del Toro expressed a strong stance that reflects his deep concern about the role AI might play in replacing creatives, using the phrase “I’d rather die” than adopt such technology. His comments come amid growing anxiety within the film industry about AI’s potential to displace writers, actors, and other artistic talents.
Concerns Over AI’s Impact Expressed Through “Frankenstein” Adaptation
Del Toro drew inspiration for his recent adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” not from AI technology itself, but from the attitude of those pioneering it, which he described as marked by arrogance and “natural stupidity.” He linked the recklessness of Shelley’s Victor Frankenstein to the behavior of modern “tech bros,” warning about creators who proceed without considering the consequences. Oscar Isaac’s portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein was intentionally crafted to reflect this critique.
“My concern is not Artificial Intelligence, but natural stupidity,”
Guillermo del Toro said.
“I think that’s what drives most of the world’s worst features. But I did want it to have the arrogance of Victor 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,”
he added.
Growing Industry Debate on AI’s Role in Creative Fields
Del Toro’s fears echo broader tensions in Hollywood, where the rise of AI-generated content is stirring debate. While social media is increasingly flooded with hyper-realistic synthetic videos, some industry insiders see potential benefits alongside the risks. For example, the arrival of AI influencer Tilly Norwood spurred uneasy reactions from actors and models, highlighting the ethical and professional dilemmas unfolding as AI crosses new boundaries.
Voiceover agent Wes Stevens weighed in on these concerns nearly two years ago, acknowledging that current generative AI remains rudimentary at best in replicating human creativity. However, he distinguishes this from the more advanced and as-yet-unrealized “Artificial General Intelligence” (AGI), which he suggested could bring far more dramatic changes to entertainment industries.
“Generative AI as it exists today, on the voice levels, is really basic,”
Stevens said.
“I’ve seen it demo’d. There’s something there. But can it do what voiceover artists do [for example]? 100% absolutely not.”
“[Artificial General Intelligence] [would] create a whole other rush. It’s going to be very different than generative. I’m not scared of it. As a society and as individual industries, we have to be smart about it.”
Implications for the Future of Film and Acting Professions
Guillermo del Toro’s rejection of AI underscores a deeper unease about technology’s intrusion into creative professions, reflecting frustration and sadness about what might be lost. His statement, delivered with evident anger and disappointment, captures the apprehension felt by many in Hollywood who fear the rapid pace of change could overshadow the human element essential to storytelling.
As AI tools evolve, the question remains whether the film industry can find a balance between innovation and preserving artistry, or if it will face irreversible shifts. Del Toro’s firm stance serves as a reminder of the ongoing conversation about the ethical and practical boundaries of AI in creative fields and the importance of carefully considering its impact before fully integrating it into the filmmaking process.
