Guillermo del Toro’s Technical and Philosophical Position on Artificial Intelligence
The acclaimed Mexican director, screenwriter and producer, Guillermo del Toro, starred in a crucial moment during the presentation of his new film, “Frankenstein”, in New York City. The filmmaker, accompanied by the actor Oscar Isaac—who plays Victor Frankenstein in the adaptation—surprised the audience with a technically and philosophically founded statement against the indiscriminate use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative processes. Del Toro argued that the excessive use of these algorithmic systems transcends mere job displacement and affects the very essence of the human condition, an approach that has generated intense debate in the entertainment industry and beyond.
During the presentation of the new feature film, based on the classic 1818 novel written by Mary Shelley, Guillermo del Toro issued a forceful condemnation of AI. The moment, recorded on video and widely disseminated by Vanity Fair magazine, quickly went viral on digital platforms, where a multitude of users have praised the director for his clear and brave stance. In the recording, Del Toro is seen saying goodbye with the words: “Good night, thank you very much, and fuck AI”, which translate into Spanish as: “Good night, thank you very much, and f*ck the AI.” However, the filmmaker’s criticism extends beyond a simple expression of discontent; constitutes a profound reflection on how the indiscriminate application of emerging technologies in artistic creation can lead to an erosion of the humanity inherent in art.
The Technical Analysis: Beyond Job Displacement
Del Toro described that, in the current panorama, the real challenge lies not only in adopting technological tools such as AI, but in preserving our humanity and continuing to imbue everything we create with human essence. From a technical perspective, Artificial Intelligence, particularly in its generative aspect, operates through machine learning models trained with vast sets of existing data. These systems are capable of emulating styles, generating images or even composing scripts with remarkable efficiency, but they lack consciousness, artistic intentionality and emotional context. Del Toro’s warning points to the risk of the industry prioritizing efficiency and cost-cutting over creative authenticity, which could homogenize narratives and dilute the uniqueness that defines film as an art form.
This position is part of a broader debate on automation in creative sectors. While AI tools can optimize repetitive or post-production tasks, their foray into the core conception and execution of art—areas that depend on subjectivity, lived experience, and human imperfection—represents a critical ethical and technical frontier. The director emphasizes that technology should not be an end in itself, but rather an instrument in the service of a human artistic vision, a distinction crucial to maintaining the integrity of the cinematic medium.
The Practical Execution: “Frankenstein” as a Manifestation of Human Art
In an act of coherence with his speech, Del Toro emphasized that in “Frankenstein”, all the sets are real. The production is conceived as a visual opera, made by humans and intended for humans. This technical and artistic choice is not merely aesthetic; It is a declaration of principles. The use of physical sets and practical effects, in contrast to AI-generated digital environments, fosters a tangible and organic connection for both filmmakers and audiences. “It is a film that is there to remind us that art is not only necessary, but urgent,” said the filmmaker, closing his intervention with the now famous message: “Thank you very much and screw AI”, which was received with a unanimous ovation from the audience present.
With these statements, the Mexican director reaffirms his unwavering commitment to art manufactured by people and firmly rejects the substitution of AI in fundamental creative processes. This position is aligned with previous publications by the producer, where, when promoting a visit to Mexico City scheduled for next November 3, in the company of Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, he declared: “Some time ago they asked me how I managed to see something beautiful in the horrible and something horrible in the beautiful. The answer was very simple: Because I am Mexican.” This statement reinforces the idea that the unique perspective, forged by culture and individual human experience, is an irreplaceable component in artistic creation, something that an algorithm, no matter how advanced, cannot genuinely replicate.
Guillermo del Toro’s position is not a simple rejection of technology, but a call for conscious reflection about the role that these tools should occupy in our society. It raises a fundamental question: Are we using technology to expand our creative capabilities or to abdicate our creative responsibility? By opting for traditional, humane methods in “Frankenstein,” del Toro isn’t just making a movie; is actively championing a creative ecosystem where imperfection, emotion and the artist’s personal vision remain at the core of the act of creating.
Share this analysis on the future of art and technology on your social networks and explore more content related to innovation in the film industry.
