Sylvester Stallone defends AI in filmmaking and says technology is ‘here to stay’

The actor admits critics have a moral point but argues the technology cannot be stopped

Sylvester Stallone has defended the growing use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, arguing that the technology is advancing too quickly to be stopped despite concerns from creative professionals.

During an appearance on The Overlap, the Rocky and Rambo star described himself as a major risk taker when discussing the future of AI. Asked by former footballer Roy Keane whether he takes risks, Stallone replied that he does, although he does not consider himself a gambler.

He then raised the prospect of combining human performances with AI, saying, “AI is here to stay, and I wanted to do half-human, half-AI, and put it together.”

Stallone acknowledged that the idea had attracted strong criticism from the creative community. However, he argued that the technology was already developing in ways that would make it difficult to reverse.

“People are now selling their images, and eventually, there are 20 Elvis avatars,” he said, suggesting that digitally recreated versions of famous performers could become increasingly common.

Although Stallone recognised the moral concerns surrounding AI, he maintained that the industry would have to confront its growing influence. “We can’t stop this avalanche, it’s out of our control,” he said, adding that those who refused to engage with the technology risked being left behind.

His comments follow an earlier proposal involving the Rambo franchise. Stallone reportedly pitched a prequel concept that would have used AI de-ageing technology to portray a younger version of John Rambo, allowing him to revisit the character at 18.

The project ultimately moved forward with Noah Centineo cast as the younger Rambo, rather than Stallone returning as the lead.

AI use in film has continued to generate debate in Hollywood, particularly over creative ownership, performers’ likenesses and the potential impact on filmmaking jobs. Director Eli Roth also faced criticism after acknowledging that generative AI had been used in a small portion of scenes in Ice Cream Man, following earlier comments that had suggested otherwise.

Stallone’s remarks highlight the continuing divide between those who see AI as an inevitable industry tool and those concerned about its ethical and creative consequences.