AI Art and Societal Concerns
A Hollywood director has claimed that art generated by artificial intelligence poses a threat to the essence of humanity. He warned that such a trend could be a warning sign of fascism looming on the horizon.
Controversial Remarks
During an event where he received recognition from Variety magazine—specifically, the Creative Impact Award—film director Guillermo del Toro expressed his discontent with AI’s role in art. He urged artists and creators to remain engaged and passionate about their work, warning that neglecting art could lead to dire consequences.
He stated, “Whenever people say art doesn’t matter, that’s always a prelude to fascism. It always does. When you’re told it’s not important, or you can do art with a mediocre app, you have to wonder, ‘If it’s so easy and not that crucial, why is there so much interest in it?'”
Del Toro elaborated, cautioning that treating art merely as a collection of data strips it of the humanity that makes it meaningful. “The intent is to diminish everything that enriches us or makes us more human. In my experience, that includes monsters,” he said.
Reaffirming Human Creativity
His latest critique follows previous comments he made at the 2025 Gotham Film Awards, where he highlighted that iconic works like Frankenstein were “intentionally created by humans for humans.” He took a moment to disparage AI during his speech, emphasizing the invaluable contributions of artists, designers, and makeup teams to filmmaking.
At 61, del Toro has become a vocal opponent of AI’s encroachment in creative fields. He remarked that the complexities of today’s world sometimes need monsters to be fully understood, suggesting that we’re currently in such a time.
Complex Perspectives on Technology
Despite his criticisms of AI, del Toro clarified that he’s not entirely against technology. In 2023, he praised video game creator Hideo Kojima for his ability to blend the worlds of gaming and film, specifically mentioning his role as Deadman in Kojima’s game, Death Stranding.
