Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg raised concerns about the growing role of artificial intelligence in the creative industries during an appearance at SXSW in Austin. During an interview session at the 2026 event, Spielberg made it clear that while he supports the technology in many areas, he strongly opposes AI replacing human creativity in filmmaking.
Spielberg draws a line at AI in creative work
During the discussion, Spielberg revealed that he has never used AI in any of his films, a statement that drew enthusiastic applause from the audience. The director emphasized that while artificial intelligence can be useful in certain disciplines, it should not replace the humans responsible for storytelling and artistic expression.
“I’m not in favor of AI replacing a creative individual,” Spielberg said during the conversation.
The filmmaker explained that he still relies solely on human collaboration in his own creative process, including the television writing rooms. According to Spielberg, there is no “empty chair with a laptop in front” that represents an AI contributor. For him, the development of stories and characters remains a fundamentally human activity.
Spielberg’s stance reflects broader concerns across Hollywood, where writers, directors and actors are increasingly debating how AI could impact jobs and creative control in the entertainment industry.
A director known for exploring technology
Despite his skepticism about replacing creative professionals with AI, Spielberg is not against the technology itself. Over the course of his career, many of his films dealt with futuristic technologies and their possible consequences.
His filmography includes classics such as Jaws, ET: The Extra-Terrestrial, Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Raiders of the Lost Ark. Spielberg has also explored the relationship between humans and advanced technology in projects such as Minority Report, Ready Player One and AI Artificial Intelligence.
In these films, technology is often portrayed as both a powerful tool and a potential threat – themes that reflect Spielberg’s real-life perspective on artificial intelligence.
The growing presence of AI in the entertainment industry
Spielberg’s comments come at a time when AI tools are increasingly making their way into the film and television production landscape. Tech startups are developing AI-powered platforms to help with script development, editing and visual effects, often marketing them as tools that can reduce production costs.
Major streaming platforms are also exploring how artificial intelligence could optimize content creation. Amazon has reportedly started testing AI tools for film and television production. Meanwhile, Netflix recently acquired an AI-focused film company linked to Ben Affleck. The deal is reportedly worth around $600 million.
While these developments could change the way films and shows are produced, they have also sparked ongoing debates about whether AI will help creative professionals or ultimately replace them.
The future of AI in Hollywood
Spielberg’s comments highlight a central question facing the entertainment industry: How to incorporate new technologies without undermining the human creativity that defines filmmaking.
For independent filmmakers working with limited resources, AI tools can provide opportunities to reduce production costs or speed up certain tasks. However, many mainstream creators argue that storytelling should continue to be driven by human imagination rather than automated systems.
As AI continues to develop and spread across the entertainment industry, discussions like the one at SXSW suggest that Hollywood’s biggest names are committed to ensuring technology fuels creativity rather than replacing it.
