In a world where artificial intelligence is increasingly infiltrating every corner of the entertainment industry, one filmmaker stands firm against the tide. Guillermo del Toro boldly declares he would 'rather die' than incorporate AI into his cinematic creations. This stark statement comes at a time when the film industry is fiercely divided over the role of AI in movies and TV, making del Toro’s stance both provocative and deeply resonant.
While promoting his latest Netflix project, Frankenstein, del Toro didn’t hold back when asked about his thoughts on AI during a recent NPR interview (https://www.npr.org/2025/10/23/nx-s1-5577963/guillermo-del-toro-frankenstein). At 61, he emphatically stated, ‘AI, particularly generative AI—I am not interested, nor will I ever be. I hope to maintain this stance until my last breath.’ When directly questioned about his position, his response was blunt: ‘I’d rather die.’
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: del Toro draws a striking parallel between AI and the themes in his own Frankenstein adaptation. He explains, ‘My concern isn’t artificial intelligence; it’s natural stupidity. That’s what drives the world’s worst decisions. Victor Frankenstein’s arrogance mirrors the tech bros of today—creating without considering the consequences. We need to pause and ask ourselves: Where are we headed?’
And this is the part most people miss: del Toro’s resistance isn’t just about artistic integrity; it’s a warning about the broader implications of unchecked technological advancement. AI’s potential to replace jobs—not just in the creative sector but across industries—is a looming concern. This was starkly highlighted when Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary sparked controversy (https://deadline.com/2025/10/kevin-oleary-defends-ai-actors-marty-supreme-tilly-norwood-1236594004/) by suggesting AI could replace extras in Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme (https://www.joblo.com/marty-supreme-first-reactions/). ‘Why not use AI agents instead of human extras? It’s not like they’re the main characters. You could save millions and make more movies,’ he argued. A bold statement, but is it a step too far?
Del Toro’s unwavering stance is a breath of fresh air in an industry increasingly dominated by technological innovation. Yet, one must acknowledge the inevitability of AI’s advancement—this genie is out of the bottle, for better or worse. But here’s the controversial question: Is del Toro’s resistance a noble stand for artistic purity, or a futile attempt to halt progress?
What do you think? Is AI a threat to creativity, or an inevitable evolution of the art form? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this heated debate!
