Rian Johnson recently spoke out against artificial intelligence in Hollywood. While on a press tour for his upcoming Netflix film, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, he shared his strong feelings about AI’s impact on the industry. “It’s making everything worse in every single way—I don’t get it,” he stated bluntly.
Johnson isn’t alone in his concerns. His friend and collaborator, Guillermo Del Toro, has also been vocal about the issues surrounding AI in film. Johnson understands that studios look to save money by cutting costs, but he questions the direction this approach takes creativity. “Is this where we want to be?” he asked, reflecting a growing unease in the industry.
His perspective puts him at odds with some colleagues, like Natasha Lyonne, who embraced AI techniques during their time together on Poker Face. The show was recently canceled, but Johnson remains optimistic about reviving the character Charlie Cale elsewhere, with Lyonne continuing as a producer.
In his interview, Johnson expressed a desire to move back into theaters after a stint mainly focused on Netflix, acknowledging the challenges of navigating that landscape. “You’re in the boat with the person you got on the boat with. You’ve got to kind of start rowing,” he explained diplomatically.
The film Wake Up Dead Man will have a short theatrical run starting November 26 and will be available on Netflix beginning December 12. As the debate about AI in entertainment heats up, it’s clear that many creators like Johnson are advocating for the value of artistic integrity amidst technological advancements.
This conversation is happening not just in Hollywood; recent surveys show that nearly 60% of filmmakers express concern about AI taking over creative jobs. As technology evolves, industry professionals are navigating these new waters, weighing the benefits of efficiency against the essential human touch that storytelling requires.
