Kaylah Walton
Ben Affleck has voiced serious concerns about AI’s impact on Hollywood, delivering a passionate speech against the rising technology that’s already being utilized by companies like Disney and Coca-Cola.
This technology has the potential to cut costs and production time by eliminating the need for human artists, allowing for quicker project turnovers, and is increasingly being integrated into film and television.
Disney has previously used AI technology to resurrect Grand Moff Tarkin for the 2016 film Rogue One and employed deep fake technology to recreate a younger Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian.
For the 52-year-old actor, known for hits like Pearl Harbor and Gone Girl, he believes this advancement poses a real risk to the film industry. He stated during CNBC’s Delivering Alpha 2024 investor summit, “Movies will be among the last to be overtaken by AI. While AI can generate impressive imitations, it lacks the ability to create original works like Shakespeare.”
He expressed, “AI is set to remove the more tedious, less creative, and expensive parts of filmmaking, which may lower costs and open doors for new voices, enabling aspiring filmmakers to share their stories more easily.”
Affleck’s Comments Resonated with Fans
Affleck contended that, despite the advancements in technology, the film and television field would continue to thrive because AI cannot replicate the unique creativity inherent in humans. However, he acknowledged that the production side of Hollywood, particularly visual effects, could face challenges.
Fans applauded Affleck’s comments, with many taking to X.com (formerly Twitter) to support his stance on the matter. One user remarked, “I didn’t expect Ben Affleck to articulate such a realistic view on the direction of video models and Hollywood.”
Another added, “I’ve never listened to Affleck before, but his response demonstrates a solid understanding of the industry’s likely interactions with AI.”
A third person commented, “This is one of the most sensible perspectives on generative AI I’ve encountered. People are still not realizing it imitates rather than creates.”
