Guillermo del Toro has taken a fierce stand against artificial intelligence in filmmaking, declaring he would “rather die” than use generative AI in his work. The statement came during an interview on October 23, 2025, as his latest film, Frankenstein, earned an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The 61-year-old filmmaker’s passionate opposition positions him at the forefront of Hollywood’s growing resistance to AI technology, which has already sparked industry-wide strikes and union negotiations. His criticism arrives as his traditionally crafted adaptation demonstrates the power of human artistry in a time increasingly drawn to artificial tools.
Guillermo del Toro Leads Fierce Opposition Against AI
Del Toro’s criticism extends beyond personal preference. At a New York City screening on October 20, 2025, he shouted “F*** AI” into the microphone after a Q&A session with Celine Song and Oscar Isaac.
His producer, J. Miles Dale, reinforced this position, stating that proposing AI use to del Toro would be “like spitting on God.” The director draws direct parallels between AI proponents and his film’s protagonist. He told NPR,
I’m 61, and I hope to be able to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak. The other day, somebody wrote me an email, said, ‘What is your stance on AI?’ And my answer was very short. I said, ‘I’d rather die.’
The Pacific Rim hitmaker further stated,
My concern is not artificial intelligence, but natural stupidity. I think that’s what drives most of the world’s worst features. But I did want it to have the arrogance of Victor [Frankenstein] be similar in some ways to the tech bros. He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences and I think we have to take a pause and consider where we’re going.
Del Toro joins a substantial coalition of entertainment figures opposing AI. SAG-AFTRA, led by newly elected Sean Astin, condemned the AI-generated actress Tilly Norwood in September 2025 with the view that artificial performers cannot replicate human experience or emotion. The union secured contractual protections during the 2023 Hollywood strikes, when over 160,000 actors and writers walked out with AI regulation as a central demand (via Variety).
Filmmaker Justine Bateman warned at an October 2024 conference that AI will “burn down the business.” She launched the CREDO 23 Film Festival in 2025, exclusively featuring AI-free films (via The Wrap). Actor Nicolas Cage declared in a 2025 acceptance speech that “robots cannot reflect the human condition,” warning that allowing AI manipulation would replace artistic integrity with financial interests.
Emily Blunt, Natasha Lyonne, and Sophie Turner condemned Tilly Norwood, with Blunt calling the AI actress “terrifying” and urging agencies to stop (via Variety).
In March 2025, over 400 filmmakers fought copyright exemptions for AI training models (via No Film School). Hollywood turned to lobbying firms for the first time, with hundreds of stars urging the Trump administration to protect intellectual property rights from AI companies seeking unrestricted access.
Frankenstein‘s Success Celebrates Traditional Filmmaking Values
Frankenstein earned 86% on Rotten Tomatoes and 78 on Metacritic from 48 critics. The 149-minute film uses entirely practical effects, real sets, and human actors throughout. Critics praised the “tactile, handmade beauty” of del Toro’s approach, with David Rooney of Hollywood Reporter calling it:
One of del Toro’s finest, this is epic-scale storytelling of uncommon beauty, feeling and artistry.
Jacob Elordi’s performance as the Creature received universal acclaim, with IndieWire noting that “gives poignant life to the most emotionally complex Frankenstein monster since Boris Karloff.”
Oscar Isaac earned the Icon Award at the Savannah Film Festival and the Actor – Film honor at the Celebration of Cinema and Television in October 2025 for his portrayal of Victor Frankenstein.
The film premiered at the Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2025, earning a Golden Lion nomination and winning the Fanheart3 Award. It received a runner-up for the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival. After a limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025, it will start streaming on Netflix from November 7, 2025.
The film’s success validates del Toro’s commitment to traditional filmmaking methods. Set during the Crimean War (1853-1856), it features Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, Felix Kammerer, Lars Mikkelsen, David Bradley, Christian Convery, Charles Dance, and Ralph Ineson. The creature design drew inspiration from phrenology manuals, demonstrating the detailed research and craftsmanship that AI cannot replicate.
Del Toro’s stance reflects broader industry anxiety as the UN Trade and Development projects generative AI will reach a $4.8 trillion market value by 2033. Yet his film proves audiences and critics still value human creativity, artistic vision, and the imperfections that make cinema resonate emotionally.
What’s your take? Should filmmakers embrace or reject AI? And are you excited to watch del Toro’s Frankenstein? Share your thoughts below!
Frankenstein had a limited theatrical release on October 17, 2025, and will stream on Netflix from November 7, 2025.
