Guillermo del Toro says he’d rather die than use AI in films

Guillermo del Toro has made his stance on artificial intelligence crystal clear, and it is as dramatic as one of his films. During a recent NPR interview, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water said he would “rather die” than use generative AI in his work. His blunt statement instantly sent shockwaves through Hollywood, reigniting the ongoing debate about AI’s growing role in film production.

At 61, del Toro has built his reputation on richly human storytelling and practical effects. Speaking about his upcoming Netflix film Frankenstein, he compared the arrogance of Victor Frankenstein to that of modern “tech bros” experimenting with AI without considering the consequences. The director explained that the danger isn’t in artificial intelligence itself but in “natural stupidity,” warning that reckless innovation could create a cultural monster.

Del Toro’s version of Frankenstein, starring Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz and Ralph Ineson, is set to premiere on Netflix on 7 November. The adaptation reimagines Mary Shelley’s classic through del Toro’s signature gothic lens. His refusal to use AI for visual or narrative assistance contrasts with an industry increasingly experimenting with machine-generated effects, scripts and voice models.

His comments come amid growing controversy around AI use in creative industries. While some filmmakers see AI as a tool to enhance storytelling, others, like del Toro, view it as a threat to artistic integrity and individuality. Fans on social media praised him for taking a stand, calling his views “refreshing” and “proof that cinema still values soul over simulation.”

As AI continues to divide Hollywood, del Toro’s passionate rejection underscores his long-standing belief that true art comes from human imagination, not algorithms. In an era where technology blurs authenticity, his refusal might be the boldest creative statement of the year.