Ben Affleck Shares Candid View on the Future of AI in Hollywood

Actor and director Ben Affleck has shared his critical perspective on the growing use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Affleck discussed the technology’s potential impact while expressing doubt about its current capabilities and long-term threat to creative professions.

Affleck’s Skeptical Stance on AI

Affleck argued that while AI will undoubtedly bring change, he finds the technology unreliable for creative tasks. He specifically criticized AI writing tools like ChatGPT and Claude, stating their output tends towards the “mean” or average and is ultimately “sh*tty.” Affleck firmly dismissed the notion that AI could generate meaningful screenplays or produce entire films “from whole cloth,” citing the recent example of the AI actress Tilly Norwood as an unrealistic concept.

Beyond creative shortcomings, Affleck suggested that some of the “existential dread” surrounding AI is driven by corporate interests trying to justify high company valuations. He framed the technology’s evolution as similar to the historical impact of electricity, predicting a mix of positive and negative outcomes rather than a complete industry overhaul.

AI’s Current Role in Film and Television

The article highlights that 2025 has been a significant year for AI adoption in Hollywood. The previous Oscar season was marked by accusations of AI use, potentially affecting the awards prospects of some contenders. Major players like Netflix have continued to experiment with the technology in their productions.

Recent developments include:

• The unveiling of the AI actress Tilly Norwood, which reportedly received a negative reaction from audiences and artists.
• A massive, unrelated copyright lawsuit that made some studios cautious about AI implementation.
• The use of AI to enhance the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz for a presentation at the Sphere in Las Vegas, expanding scenes beyond the original footage.
• Disney signing a deal allowing users to create AI-generated videos featuring its popular properties.

The Path Forward for AI

Despite the skepticism from figures like Affleck, the integration of AI into film and TV production is clearly advancing. The industry is beginning to distinguish between generative AI and other algorithmic tools with less controversial applications. As the technology continues to evolve, its ultimate impact on the art and business of entertainment remains a central topic of discussion.

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