Steven Spielberg denies Emily Blunt’s comments about AI in ‘Disclosure Day’

Steven Spielberg has publicly rejected comments made by Emily Blunt regarding the use of artificial intelligence during the production of Disclosure Day, insisting he would never rely on the technology for a creative decision.

The disagreement emerged during the promotional campaign for the science fiction thriller, which arrived in cinemas last week. In the film, Blunt portrays television weather presenter Margaret Fairchild, whose life changes after she unexpectedly begins speaking in an alien language.

While discussing the project during the press tour, Blunt revealed that Spielberg had allegedly presented her with two options when it came to creating the unusual vocal effects.

According to the actress, the filmmaker suggested that artificial intelligence could generate the sounds if she preferred not to perform them herself.

“He said: ‘You know, we could do it with AI, or you could do it.’ And I was like: ‘I feel confident I can make some weird noises,’“ Blunt recalled.

However, Spielberg has now firmly denied that account.

Speaking to ITV News, the legendary director said he would never use artificial intelligence to solve a creative challenge.

“I would never use AI. I would never have made the choice, even if Emily was unable to produce the sounds that she did produce organically. I would never have used AI,” Spielberg said.

The three time Oscar winner explained that he would instead have relied on more traditional sound design methods.

“I would have probably gone the old-fashioned way. You get a dolphin, or an elephant, and you slow it down, speed it up or play it backwards,” he added.

Spielberg also praised veteran sound designer Gary Rydstrom, saying another practical solution would have been found if required. Ultimately, the director confirmed that all of the sounds heard in the film came directly from Blunt’s own performance.

The debate arrives during an increasingly heated discussion in Hollywood over the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. Earlier this month, Spielberg described AI as “soulless” and argued that technology should never have the final word in artistic decisions.

Despite directing the 2001 film AI Artificial Intelligence, Spielberg has repeatedly stressed that the project was intended as a reflection on humanity and technology rather than an endorsement of machine driven creativity.

Disclosure Day, which also stars Josh O’Connor and Colin Firth, centres on a whistleblower attempting to expose an alleged government conspiracy involving extraterrestrial life. The film has already generated strong box office returns worldwide despite receiving mixed critical reviews.

Although Blunt and Spielberg appear to remember the conversation differently, both agree on one point. The unusual alien sounds heard in Disclosure Day ultimately came from the actress herself.