Actor and director Ben Affleck has pushed back against growing fears that artificial intelligence will upend Hollywood, arguing that the technology is better suited to supporting creative work than replacing it. Speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Affleck said current AI systems lack the originality and judgment required to produce compelling films or scripts on their own.
Affleck described AI as a productivity tool that can streamline parts of the filmmaking process, such as simulating environments or reducing logistical risks, while leaving core storytelling and performance to humans. He compared its role to past technological shifts, including digital editing and visual effects, which improved efficiency without eliminating creative jobs.
He also emphasized that existing legal protections already offer safeguards for artists. Laws governing name, image, and likeness rights allow performers to challenge unauthorized commercial uses of their identity, including digital replicas. Affleck noted that these frameworks are evolving alongside technology, with proposals such as the bipartisan No Fakes Act aiming to strengthen protections against AI-generated impersonations.
His remarks come as Hollywood continues to debate how AI should be integrated into film and television, balancing efficiency gains with concerns over creative control and fair compensation.
