Gal Gadot Discusses Her Fight to Safeguard Her Performance in AI-Driven ‘Bitcoin’ Movie

Gal Gadot has always embraced bold career choices, but her latest project has placed her at the forefront of one of Hollywood’s most contentious discussions. Artificial intelligence is subtly transforming the filmmaking process, and few recent projects have highlighted this shift as prominently as Doug Liman’s upcoming film ‘Bitcoin.’

The movie, which explores the origins of the world’s most renowned cryptocurrency, has faced criticism for its innovative production methods even before its debut. Gadot stars alongside Casey Affleck, Pete Davidson, and Isla Fisher in a film that heavily utilized artificial intelligence to enhance its visual landscape.

This approach sparked significant dialogue when Gadot addressed the controversy during her appearance on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast. In conversation with host Josh Horowitz, Gadot explained that ensuring her performance remained untouched by AI required an unusually rigorous legal process.

“This was the longest contract I have ever worked on,” she shared. “It took six months for my lawyers to explore every possible scenario regarding the AI aspect. I did not want AI to influence my performance. We had to safeguard that […] The train has left the station. You’re either going to adapt or be left behind. I am trying to make the most of it while protecting what I can.”

Gadot was precise in outlining the extent of AI’s involvement. She clarified that AI’s function in ‘Bitcoin’ was strictly related to the visual elements, stating, “the AI component in this movie is for sets and the lighting.” She mentioned that the legal protections for her performance were so comprehensive that SAG-AFTRA reached out to her lawyers for advice on updating union contract language for other actors in similar situations.

The level of AI integration in ‘Bitcoin’ is unprecedented by industry standards. Produced by Acme AI & FX, the film reportedly replaced conventional lighting and set construction entirely, with producer Ryan Kavanaugh claiming this method saved over $200 million, reducing the budget from an estimated $300 million to just $70 million.

This cost reduction was achieved through an accelerated production timeline. Liman filmed the entire movie on a custom soundstage in just 20 days, capturing performances in a minimalistic warehouse setting with digital backgrounds added later.

Despite her concerns about AI, Gadot described the experience in a surprisingly positive light. She likened the bare-bones setup to theater work, emphasizing that it fostered a uniquely authentic creative environment where actors primarily interacted with one another.

This efficiency also impacted the filming pace. Without the delays typically associated with traditional lighting setups, Gadot noted that the cast could shoot continuously for hours, which she described as a distinctly different experience from conventional film sets.

In addition to discussing the ‘Bitcoin’ production, Gadot reflected on her career trajectory, expressing uncertainty about reprising her role as Wonder Woman due to her current family responsibilities. This insight added depth to a wide-ranging interview that examined both the future of filmmaking technology and her evolving priorities as an actress.

As the industry continues to navigate the implications of AI in creative processes, Gadot’s remarks provide a rare, in-depth perspective from within a production heavily reliant on this technology. Whether ‘Bitcoin’ serves as a model for future filmmaking or a cautionary tale will be determined once the film reaches audiences.

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