Ben Affleck Reveals He Used AI Extensively in His Upcoming Netflix Thriller ‘Animals’

Tena Milakovic
affleck Animals
Share:

Ben Affleck has emerged as a prominent advocate for artificial intelligence in Hollywood. He established the AI company InterPositive in 2022, which was acquired by Netflix earlier this year for $587 million, as confirmed in an SEC filing. As part of this deal, Affleck joined Netflix as a senior adviser.

The acquisition stirred controversy, with Rest of World reporting that it could jeopardize visual effects jobs globally, as InterPositive’s tools automate tasks like color grading, relighting, and continuity fixes. This context adds an intriguing layer to his upcoming film.

Affleck has now disclosed that he utilized AI in the production of ‘Animals,’ the Netflix thriller he directed, co-wrote, and stars in. According to Deadline, he shared this insight at Bloomberg’s Screentime summit in Los Angeles on September 30, stating that AI played a significant role in various aspects of the film.

While he was hesitant to specify how AI was used, Affleck likened his work to that of a magician who prefers to keep the secrets of their tricks hidden. He suggested that revealing too much could diminish the film’s impact.

He framed ‘Animals’ as a prime example of ethical AI use, emphasizing that it is a deeply human story. The film does not feature any space settings or visual effects, but AI helped the team expedite certain processes, particularly in post-production, allowing them to accomplish tasks that would have otherwise been challenging.

This aligns with Affleck’s broader argument against what he describes as AI propaganda. He maintains that the technology is beneficial and poses no threat to filmmakers or jobs. During the same panel, he expressed skepticism that AI could ever enable a filmmaker to simply input a prompt and produce a movie that resonates with audiences.

However, not everyone shares his optimism. According to Labor Department data cited by Fortune, the industry lost 49,000 jobs from 2016 to 2026, marking a 21% decline. For those already witnessing a contraction in their field, a renowned filmmaker’s reassurances may not carry much weight.

The narrative of ‘Animals’ revolves around Mark Kimball, a mayoral candidate in Los Angeles, portrayed by Affleck, whose son is kidnapped. Kerry Washington plays his wife, Abigail, with Gillian Anderson and Steven Yeun also in the cast. Affleck co-wrote the screenplay alongside Connor O. McIntyre and Billy Ray, with Matt Damon among the producers.

This marks Affleck’s first directorial project since ‘Air.’ The trailer presents a gripping crime thriller about a couple faced with difficult decisions to save their child, with no clear indication of where AI tools were applied.

This may be intentional. When ‘Animals’ premieres in select theaters and on Netflix on October 9, audiences will have the opportunity to discern for themselves the extent of AI’s involvement.

Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!

Share: