Key Points
- Chris Pratt praises AI as a powerful tool for learning and creativity.
- He recognizes that AI may displace some film industry jobs and expresses empathy for affected workers.
- Pratt believes AI will enable more movies and help bring diverse visions to the screen.
- Industry critics such as Guillermo Del Toro and certain unions have voiced strong opposition to AI use.
- Other actors, including Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine, have partnered with AI audio companies.
- The new film “Mercy” portrays an AI‑generated courtroom, offering an ambivalent view of the technology.
- There are concerns that AI could reduce demand for handcrafted VFX and animation work.
AI in the Spotlight of a New Film
The Amazon MGM Studios release Mercy puts artificial intelligence at the center of its plot, featuring detective Chris, played by Chris Pratt, who finds himself in an AI‑generated courtroom. The film’s narrative does not take a clear stance on AI; instead, it asks viewers to consider whether both technology and humans are capable of error.
Industry Voices on AI
While some industry leaders, including director Guillermo Del Toro and actors’ unions such as Equity, have publicly condemned the use of AI in film production, Pratt offers a different viewpoint. He explains that over the past year he has deliberately used a variety of AI platforms to learn new skills, describing the technology as “fantastic, amazing tool” and “incredible.”
Balancing Hope and Concern
Pratt acknowledges a “harsh reality” that new technologies can displace steady jobs in the film business. He expresses empathy for those who might lose work, stating that their situation is “troubling and painful.” At the same time, he believes AI will generate “incredible opportunities” for storytellers, allowing more visions to reach the screen and potentially creating a new collaborative department within production pipelines.
Broader Adoption Across Hollywood
The article notes that other high‑profile actors, such as Matthew McConaughey and Michael Caine, have entered AI audio deals with the studio ElevenLabs, signaling a growing acceptance of AI tools among established talent. Online trends also show a mix of reactions, with some creators advocating for analog media consumption while others embrace digital innovation.
Potential Risks and Future Outlook
Critics warn that reliance on generative AI could threaten handcrafted specialties like visual effects and animation if the technology proves more cost‑effective for studios. Nonetheless, Pratt remains hopeful that AI will serve as a supportive tool rather than a threat, and the article’s author expresses a desire to see independent filmmakers leverage AI to their advantage.
Source: techradar.com