Guillermo del Toro on AI: "I'd rather die."
Guillermo del Toro has a clear stance on generative AI: he wants nothing to do with it. He's said his concern isn't artificial intelligence, but "natural stupidity," and that he plans to stay uninterested in using AI in his work for the rest of his life.
He's currently focused on his new take on Frankenstein, a story about a manmade creation-yet he's rejecting the latest manmade creative shortcut. The line is bright and intentional.
What he actually said
Generative AI doesn't interest him now, and he says it never will. At 61, he's confident he can keep it that way "until I croak." When asked for his stance on AI, his reply was blunt: "I'd rather die."
The creative field is split
Some filmmakers are experimenting with AI for tasks like voice modulation and digital touch-ups. Others are trying synthetic performers and workflows that reduce human input. Del Toro wants none of it-and he's not alone.
This is the core tension for modern creators: use the tools, reject them, or define strict guardrails. Either path is valid, but silence is not.
What writers can take from this
- Decide your line. Are you no-AI, AI-optional, or AI-first? Put it in writing.
- Share your policy with clients and collaborators. Set expectations on credit, disclosure, and what tasks are human-only.
- If you reject AI, double down on craft. Show process. Show taste. That's your moat.
- If you use AI, be transparent. Treat outputs as drafts, not decisions. Edit hard. Own the results.
- Protect your data and voice. Don't feed private work into public tools. Keep a clean, documented workflow.
A simple framework for your AI policy
- Where AI is never used (ideas, voice, final prose, character choices).
- Where AI may assist (research summaries, outlines, alt headlines).
- How you disclose usage (contracts, notes, credits).
- Quality control steps (human edit pass, fact-checking, sensitivity review).
If you choose to skill up
If your stance includes responsible use, learn fast and set guardrails early. Curated training can help you separate shortcuts from traps.
Explore AI courses by job role for structured ways to test tools without losing your voice.
Bottom line
Del Toro chose principle over convenience. You don't need his stance-but you do need a stance. Choose the process you can defend, then create like you mean it.
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