In a powerful declaration resonating across Hollywood and classic film circles, master director Guillermo del Toro has definitively voiced his absolute refusal to use generative AI in his movies, equating the unchecked ambition behind the technology to the fateful hubris of Victor Frankenstein, the subject of his latest Netflix adaptation.
For fans of visionary storytelling and the craft of filmmaking, few voices command as much respect as that of Guillermo del Toro. Known for his intricate practical effects, boundless imagination, and profound respect for artists, it comes as no surprise that the director of The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth has taken an unequivocal stand against generative artificial intelligence in moviemaking.
During a candid interview on NPR’s Fresh Air podcast, del Toro expressed his resolute opposition, stating, “I would ‘rather die’ than use generative AI in my movies.” He further elaborated, “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.” This firm stance leaves no room for doubt about where the beloved filmmaker stands on this contentious issue, as reported by NPR.
Connecting Tech Hubris to a Classic Monster
Beyond his personal disinterest, del Toro offered a deeper, more philosophical critique of generative AI by drawing a striking parallel to the central themes of his upcoming film, Frankenstein. He sees a chilling resemblance between the unchecked ambition of certain technology proponents—dubbed “tech bros”—and the arrogant pursuit of creation by Victor Frankenstein.
“My concern is not artificial intelligence, but natural stupidity,” del Toro remarked, highlighting what he believes drives many of the world’s ill-conceived ventures. He specifically aimed his critique at those who rush into creating without forethought: “I did want to have the arrogance of Victor be similar in some ways to the tech bros, you know? He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences.” This keen observation, also widely reported by outlets like Variety via AOL, urges a crucial pause to consider the ethical implications of emerging technologies.
This isn’t the first time del Toro has openly expressed his strong feelings. At a recent theatrical screening for Frankenstein, footage captured by Vanity Fair showed him bluntly exclaiming, “F— AI!” This direct, impassioned outburst further solidified his position as a prominent voice against the technology’s rapid integration into creative industries.
Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein: A Visionary Reimagining
del Toro’s version of Mary Shelley’s 1818 gothic novel, streaming on Netflix starting November 7th (following select theatrical release on October 17th), promises to be a visually stunning and intellectually resonant adaptation. The film stars Oscar Isaac as the ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as his iconic, patchwork creation.
The cast also boasts an impressive lineup, including Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Charles Dance, and Felix Kammerer. Fans have eagerly awaited glimpses of Elordi’s Creature, which takes a distinct departure from traditional portrayals. del Toro has described the Creature as “a newborn, alabaster creature. The scars are beautiful and almost aerodynamic,” emphasizing Victor’s artistic intent as much as his surgical skill in its design.
A Broader Industry Debate
Guillermo del Toro’s firm stance places him among a growing chorus of prominent figures in the entertainment industry who are wary of generative AI’s impact. Legendary Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki has also expressed strong reservations, emphasizing the importance of human touch and emotion in art. Conversely, some, like actor Natasha Lyonne, have shown more openness to exploring the technology as a tool.
The conversation around AI in Hollywood gained significant traction during the recent actors’ and writers’ strikes, where concerns about job displacement and the ethical use of AI to replicate likenesses or generate scripts were central. While directors like James Cameron see potential in AI as a tool to manage visual effects workloads and reduce costs, many artists and craftspeople fear its darker potential to devalue human creativity and eliminate jobs.
For dedicated fans of classic cinema and artistic integrity, del Toro’s outspoken advocacy serves as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value of human ingenuity and imagination. His latest cinematic endeavor, Frankenstein, not only promises a captivating story but also stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment to human-made art in an increasingly automated world.
