Charlize Theron warns Timothée Chalamet AI could replace him after ballet remarks

Charlize Theron has responded to comments made by Timothée Chalamet about ballet and opera, warning that advances in artificial intelligence could impact acting roles in the future.

The discussion follows criticism directed at Chalamet after he suggested that “no one cares” about the two art forms during a live conversation in February.

In an interview with The New York Times, Theron addressed the remarks and expressed her intention to challenge them directly.

“Oh, boy, I hope I run into him one day,” she said. “That was a very reckless comment on an art form, two art forms, that we need to lift up constantly because, yes, they do have a hard time.”

The actor, who trained as a ballet dancer earlier in her career, emphasised the enduring value of live performance.

She added, “In 10 years, A.I. is going to be able to do Timothée’s job, but it will not be able to replace a person on a stage dancing live.” She also stated, “And we shouldn’t [expletive] on other art forms,” while describing dancers as “superheroes.”

Theron reflected on the physical demands of dance, describing it as “one of the hardest things I ever did” and crediting it with teaching discipline and resilience.

She also noted the challenges involved, recalling injuries and the expectation to continue training despite them.

Chalamet’s original comments drew criticism from figures in the performing arts sector. Opera singer Camilla Kerslake described them as “shocking and hurtful,” while a spokesperson for the Royal Ballet and Opera highlighted the influence of both art forms on cinema.