Film director Guillermo del Toro has expressed his disinterest in using AI-generated video for his films, even humorously stating that he hopes to die before he feels compelled to explore the technology.
In a conversation with NPR, the Oscar-winning director known for films like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water (and popular titles such as Hellboy and Pacific Rim), compared the “arrogance” of tech figures like Sam Altman and Elon Musk to Victor Frankenstein, the character he brings to life in his latest film, Frankenstein.
Interviewer Terry Gross introduced a discussion about the film’s superhuman creature, portrayed by Jacob Elordi, and del Toro expressed skepticism about whether a vast amount of programmed data could truly capture the “alchemy of emotion.”
GROSS: In some ways, you could say that the creature in “Frankenstein” is like artificial intelligence. He was created by humans yet can exist independently and cause harm without really understanding humanity. What are your thoughts on AI? Did it play any role in your movie?
Del Toro: I could have drawn parallels, but my main concern was less about AI and more about the folly of nature. Victor’s arrogance mirrors that of tech entrepreneurs. He creates without pondering the implications. We must reflect on our direction. If I were to teach an AI the binary system, I’d want to do it right the first time to ensure a responsible legacy.
Historically, no generation has been raised correctly, which I think is a significant failure on our part. Data can’t replicate the emotional intricacies that come with human experience. It’s not impossible to achieve, yet we’re handing this technology to the next generation. This is why the father-son dynamic between Jacob Elordi and Victor resonates so deeply throughout the film.
Gross then questioned whether del Toro utilized AI in his new project, especially as Netflix has committed to using AI to cut production costs associated with Mimic. The director outright denied it, stating, “I’d be better off dead.”
GROSS: Did you employ AI in crafting Frankenstein?
Del Toro: I’m not interested in AI, especially generative AI, and I never will be. At 61, I hope my curiosity in it remains non-existent.
GROSS: (Laughter).
Del Toro: Not really. The other day, someone emailed me asking about my stance on AI, and I replied briefly: I’d be better off dead.
Gross shifted the topic to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), discussing concerns regarding undocumented immigrants in Los Angeles. Del Toro acknowledged that he could be targeted due to his accent, saying, “I always carry my documents with me.”
GROSS: Living in Los Angeles, have you encountered ICE crackdowns, especially being Mexican with an accent?
Del Toro: Yeah. Definitely.
GROSS: Have you ever been stopped and asked for your documents?
Del Toro: Not yet, but should we meet, I’ll keep you posted. My wallet is like a leather portfolio, always stocked with documents. I’ve faced immigration checks before, shown my papers, been subjected to pointed questions, and set aside. It’s tough in times when there’s no advocate for others. It’s vital to recognize the humanity in the other person as well.
Del Toro has shared his liberal views sparingly regarding contentious political subjects lately. After Donald Trump’s election win, he labeled the MAGA movement a racist “cancer” on the nation. Following the tragic shooting involving actor Alec Baldwin on the set of Rust, he vowed never to use real firearms in his films again. In 2023, he endorsed an open letter opposing “book bans” aimed at removing certain content from educational resources. This spring, he joined numerous celebrities in condemning Israel for alleged “genocide” and “civilian targeting” amid the conflict with Hamas following the October 7 terrorist attack.
