Guillermo del Toro Takes Bold Stance Against Generative AI in Filmmaking

In a recent conversation with NPR while promoting his Netflix adaptation of “Frankenstein,” del Toro made his stance unmistakably clear. The Oscar-winning filmmaker stated, “AI, particularly generative AI — I am not interested, nor will I ever be interested. I’m 61, and I hope to be able to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak.” When asked directly about his view on AI, del Toro recounted his succinct response to an email inquiry: “I’d rather die.”

This firm rejection of AI comes even as del Toro draws inspiration from the themes of artificial creation for his adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic novel. Oscar Isaac, who stars as Victor Frankenstein, embodies a character whose hubris mirrors the confidence seen in modern tech innovators. Del Toro explained, “My concern is not artificial intelligence, but natural stupidity. I think that’s what drives most of the world’s worst features.” He intentionally crafted Victor’s arrogance to parallel that of today’s tech entrepreneurs.

Del Toro’s comments underscore a broader discourse on the role of technology in art, reinforcing his commitment to traditional storytelling methods while highlighting the perils of unchecked innovation. His adaptation of “Frankenstein” serves as both a homage to classic literature and a critique of contemporary technological ambition.

“My concern is not artificial intelligence, but natural stupidity. I think that’s what drives most of the world’s worst features,” del Toro told NPR. “But I did want it to have the arrogance of Victor be similar in some ways to the tech bros.”

He said Frankenstein making his monster, played by Euphoria actor Jacob Elordi, was an action made “without considering the consequences” and future. He questions where AI is going in the same sense. 

“Ones and zeros don’t get the alchemy that you get with emotion and experience,” he said. “You get the information, but you don’t get the alchemy of emotion, spirituality and feeling.” 

Del Toro’s recent comment’s aren’t new, as the “Shape of Water” director previously stated his disinterest in the technology multiple times in the past. 

In 2023, he called AI an “insult to life itself,” and in 2024 he asked “the value of art is not how much it costs and how little effort it requires, it’s how much would you risk to be in its presence?” while at the British Film Institute. 

Del Toro’s latest movie, a $120 million epic for Netflix, launched in theaters nationwide Oct. 17, 2025 for a 3-week theatrical release and will release globally Nov. 7 on Netflix. It also features Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Ralph Ineson and others.