Guillermo del Toro Says He’d “Rather Die” Than Use AI in Films
Los Angeles, October 26 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro has made his stance on artificial intelligence (AI) crystal clear — he will never use it in his films. The three-time Oscar winner, known for his visual masterpieces like The Shape of Water and Pan’s Labyrinth, told NPR that he would “rather die” than turn to generative AI for creative work.
The acclaimed Mexican director compared the cultural obsession with AI to the arrogance of Victor Frankenstein, the fictional scientist from Mary Shelley’s classic novel, who creates life without understanding its consequences.
“I’d Rather Die Than Use AI”
Del Toro’s comments came during a recent interview with NPR, where he didn’t hold back his criticism of the technology.
“AI, particularly generative AI — I am not interested, nor will I ever be interested,” del Toro stated. “I’m 61, and I hope to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak. The other day, somebody emailed me asking my stance on AI. My answer was short: I’d rather die.”
His remark reflects a growing sentiment among many artists and filmmakers who see AI as a threat to human creativity and originality in storytelling.
“The Real Danger Is Natural Stupidity”
Del Toro clarified that he does not see AI itself as inherently dangerous but warned about how human misuse could magnify its risks.
“The true dangers aren’t with the technology itself but with natural stupidity,” he said. “It’s natural stupidity that pushes most of the world’s worst features.”
The Frankenstein director drew parallels between Victor Frankenstein and modern-day “tech bros,” suggesting that blind ambition and lack of foresight could lead to unintended consequences.
“I did want Victor’s arrogance to be similar in some ways to the tech bros,” del Toro explained. “He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences. I think we have to take a pause and consider where we’re going.”
A Filmmaker Who Believes in Human Imagination
Known for his handcrafted worlds, detailed practical effects, and deep emotional storytelling, del Toro has always championed human artistry in cinema. His resistance to AI is consistent with his long-standing advocacy for creativity driven by empathy, craftsmanship, and imagination — not algorithms.
From his haunting fairy tales in Pan’s Labyrinth to the poetic romance of The Shape of Water, del Toro’s films celebrate human vulnerability and imperfection — qualities he believes machines can never replicate.
The Context: AI’s Rapid Rise in Hollywood
Del Toro’s remarks come amid a wider industry debate on the use of AI in filmmaking. Studios and streaming platforms have begun experimenting with AI-generated scripts, storyboards, and even de-aging technology for actors.
However, many filmmakers, writers, and actors have voiced concern that generative AI could undermine creativity, authenticity, and employment within the film industry. The issue was also a major point of contention during last year’s Hollywood writers’ strike, where unions demanded safeguards against AI-generated screenplays.
Del Toro’s strong stance adds to the growing cultural resistance among Hollywood’s creative elite, who view the technology as a shortcut that could dilute the soul of storytelling.
Frankenstein and the Warning of Creation
Del Toro’s upcoming Netflix adaptation of Frankenstein, based on Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel, appears to mirror his real-life concerns. The film explores the perils of unchecked ambition and the moral consequences of creating life — themes that resonate deeply in the age of AI.
The film stars Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Ralph Ineson, and is set to premiere globally on November 7.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Guillermo del Toro’s defiant stance against AI in cinema reflects a broader cultural moment where technology and artistry are clashing like never before. As AI continues to infiltrate creative industries, del Toro stands as a powerful voice reminding filmmakers that storytelling’s true strength lies in humanity — not machinery.
His upcoming Frankenstein could serve as both a cinematic masterpiece and a cautionary tale for our times, urging us to reflect before creating something we cannot control.