“That isn’t the way the world works”: George Lucas Issues a Disheartening Statement While Artists in Hollywood Raise Concern Over Using AI in Movies

George Lucas. Credit: Joey Gannon/Creative Commons

Artificial Intelligence or AI is a crucial piece of technology at humanity’s disposal. From education to science, AI can revolutionize processes and change the very landscape of such industries. However, when it comes to the entertainment industry, it is as detrimental as it is beneficial. Artists around the world have been protesting against its use and the use of AI was part of the negotiations during the historic SAG-AFTRA strikes last year.

While artists in Hollywood raise concerns over the use of AI, George Lucas has a different set of beliefs. In a recent interview, the Star Wars creator stated AI and its use within the entertainment industry is inevitable.

George Lucas on AI within the Entertainment Industry

Star Wars is considered a pioneer in setting new benchmarks for visual effects and graphics. The behind-the-scenes documentary, Light & Magic, perfectly encapsulates how challenging it was to create the first Star Wars film. From handbuilt models to exhaustive 18-hour shoots, the problems it went through make it even more unimaginable as to how it even managed to come into existence.

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If a similar film were to be made today, studios and filmmakers would certainly be at ease knowing that tools like AI are at their disposal. And George Lucas has a similar opinion when it comes to AI. In an interview with Brut, at Cannes, the filmmaker replied when asked about the use of AI in the industry.

We’ve been using it for 25 years. And it is not AI, but we use all the digital technology because we pioneered a lot of that… But the thing of it is, it’s inevitable. I mean it is like saying ‘I don’t believe cars are gonna work, let’s just stick with the horses’. Yeah, you can say that but that isn’t the way the world works.

While Lucas’ perspective isn’t exactly wrong, it seems bold given how artists around the world have been expressing concerns over the use of AI. With Scarlett Johansson being the latest actor to have fallen prey to AI apparently (see THR), fans had some mixed reactions to Lucas’ comments.

Fans React to George Lucas’ Comments About AI

Back when the twin SAG-AFTRA strikes were in full bloom, AI and its use in the film industry was one of the primary concerns of several artists. From being able to replicate an artist’s voice to creating full-fledged songs, AI has come a long way. It can now create videos from text, write scripts, and so much more.

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With the ability to create big-studio films like videos at home, AI thus is a potential threat that can very well put a lot of people out of work along with simplifying and speeding processes. As George Lucas’ comments about the technology being inevitable went viral, this is how fans reacted:

While several netizens echoed the sentiment with great power, comes great responsibility, several agreed with Lucas. AI is already here and in the next 5 or less years, the technology will inevitably become part of normal life.

As for its use within the entertainment industry, its traces can already be felt in movies like Late Night With the Devil (via THR). Although limited in its capabilities and lacking human touch, AI will inevitably catch up sooner or later. In such a scenario, it is about time that the industry takes measures to take adequate measures to make sure AI and similar technology are used in a responsible manner.