Guillermo Del Toro Would “Rather Die” Than Use Generative AI: “I Am Not Interested”

As the discourse around AI in Hollywood continues to intensify, Guillermo del Toro is planting his feet in opposition of the filmmaking fad.

The 8x Oscar winner recently said he would “rather die” than use generative AI in his films, comparing the technology to the “arrogance” of Oscar Isaac‘s titular mad scientist in his Netflix adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein.

“AI, particularly generative AI — I am not interested, nor will I ever be interested,” he said in an interview with NPR. “I’m 61, and I hope to be able to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak. … The other day, somebody wrote me an email, said, ‘What is your stance on AI?’ And my answer was very short. I said, ‘I’d rather die.’”

Del Toro explained that his “concern is not artificial intelligence, but natural stupidity,” adding: “I think that’s what drives most of the world’s worst features.”

The Frankenstein writer/director noted that he related his adaptation of the eponymous role “in some ways to the tech bros. He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences and I think we have to take a pause and consider where we’re going.”