Actor Thinks AI Could Never ‘Duplicate’ This Iconic Director’s Work
By Movieguide® Contributor
Actor Justin Theroux recently explained why he doesn’t think AI will ever be able to replicate Tim Burton’s distinctive style.
“When people see this film, they’ll understand I don’t think there’ll ever be a Tim Burton movie that could have been made by AI,” Theroux told Fox News while promoting his latest project, BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE. “He is so singular in his vision.”
The actor added, “I think there will be AI films in the future. Perhaps films written, to some extent, by AI, but I think for the moment, when you have a real sort of…just putting it against a Tim Burton movie, I think it’s very difficult to duplicate what comes out of that man’s head.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Hollywood’s divided feelings about AI:
“AI can create a convincing simulation of a human actor, and the tech is improving at an alarming rate,” former FAMILY TIES star Justin Bateman told Variety during last year’s strikes. “I stress that this is an existential threat, and if they can do this with actors, they can do it with writers, directors, cinematographers – everyone. We’ll be replaced with Frankenstein spoonfuls of our own work.”
Others, however, believe the emerging technology will become an incredibly powerful tool for the industry that will only enable creatives to better execute their vision.
“We’re creatures of habit,” said director Antoine Fuqua. “I remember when I started in videos and commercials, I shot on film. Digital was a thing we all kicked and screamed about. Turns out, it’s fantastic. It’s another paintbrush we can use to do our work. AI’s the same thing.”
“[AI] doesn’t replace human feelings and human emotions,” he continued, explaining why he doesn’t believe the tool will upset the industry’s job security. “There’s things that con only happen in the moment with another human being that no computer can ever achieve.”
It looks like audiences agree with Theroux. Variety reported that the sequel to Burton’s 1988 horror comedy “is eyeing a huge $100 million to $110 million opening weekend.”
“Based on those estimated ticket sales, the follow-up film could land among 2017’s IT ($123 million debut) and 2019’s IT: CHAPTER TWO ($91 million) as one of the biggest September debuts of all time,” the outlet continued.
Theroux plays Rory, boyfriend to Winona Ryder’s Lydia Deetz. Ryder starred in the original BEETLEJUICE alongside Michael Keaton, who is also reprising his role as Beetlejuice.
In addition to celebrating the release of BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE, Theroux is also celebrating some personal news — he recently got engaged to girlfriend Nicole Brydon Bloom.
“Of course, I was nervous proposing,” Theroux joked in an interview with The Times. “It is a question after all, so the answer isn’t guaranteed. But it was wonderful.”
