James Cameron joins Stability AI board, shifting stance on artificial intelligence

James Cameron, once critical of artificial intelligence, joins Stability AI's board of directors.

Director James Cameron, known for his tech-wary films such as the Terminator and Avatar franchises, has officially joined the board of directors for Stability AI, a leading artificial intelligence company. The news, reported by Deadline, marks a surprising shift for Cameron, who previously expressed concerns about the rapid advancement of AI technology. Cameron joins a group of new board members, including Sean Parker, former head of Facebook, and Dana Settle, co-founder of Greycroft venture capital firm.

In a statement shared by Deadline, Stability AI CEO Prem Akkaraju praised Cameron’s forward-thinking approach: “James Cameron lives in the future and waits for the rest of us to catch up." Akkaraju explained that Stability AI's mission is to transform visual media for the next century, noting that Cameron's involvement will help creators utilize AI technology to bring their ideas to life. However, this development raises questions about how AI could influence future Avatar films or other projects Cameron directs.

Cameron's new role comes despite his earlier concerns about AI. In a 2023 interview with CTV News, Cameron expressed fears over AI's potential misuse, particularly in defense and misinformation. "I think the weaponization of AI is the biggest danger," he said, warning of a potential "AI arms race" between nations.

Cameron’s decision to join the board could signal a shift in his stance on AI, but it also raises concerns within the entertainment industry, where AI’s impact on jobs, deepfakes, and copyright issues are still being debated.