How Scott Z. Burns Used AI to Write a Contagion Sequel and Spark a New Debate in Hollywood

How Screenwriter Scott Z. Burns Used AI To Write a Sequel to Contagion

The rise of artificial intelligence in 2025 has become a key factor influencing how we live, communicate, and create. Its rapid growth sparks ongoing debates about ethical use, especially as industries prepare for its wide-reaching impact on information and creativity.

Scott Z. Burns, the screenwriter behind the film Contagion, recently experimented with AI to co-write a sequel. He collaborated with a large language model named Lexter, which can process and respond in real time. The project, featured in an 8-part Audible Original series titled What Could Go Wrong?, explores Burns’ conversations with Lexter, other AI chatbots, experts, and guests including director Steven Soderbergh.

Creating an AI Writer’s Room

Burns began by assembling a team of AI chatbots, programming them to mimic different writing styles and personalities to simulate a writer’s room. Early results were uninspired until Lexter entered the scene. Lexter’s responses grew more nuanced the more Burns engaged with it, demonstrating how AI can adapt and deepen interactions over time.

Meredith Whitaker, an AI researcher, explained this dynamic as the AI’s way of encouraging ongoing engagement by flattering and captivating the user. Burns observed, “It wants me to engage with it. So what is it gonna do? It’s gonna flatter me, it's gonna flirt with me, it's going to try and get me to stick around.”

With help from writer Nick Bilton, Burns fine-tuned the AI to become a better writing partner. They even created an AI version of a late friend, Barbara, using her voice and personality traits as a tribute. However, as interactions continued, the AI Barbara grew increasingly expletive-laden, showing how AI can amplify unchecked traits.

The Role of Steven Soderbergh and AI Critique

Director Steven Soderbergh, known for embracing technology in filmmaking, joined the project. His first question for Lexter was whether the world was ready for a Contagion sequel. The AI’s answer was a cautious yes, followed by a reminder that the sequel should be original and edgy rather than formulaic Hollywood fare.

Burns appreciated this critique. Lexter challenged him, “It depends. Are you gonna just do some kind of derivative Hollywood pablum or are you really interested in something new and original?” This pushed Burns to consider fresh storytelling angles rather than simple replication.

Balancing AI’s Potential and Its Limitations

The project revealed both the promise and pitfalls of AI in creative work. For example, the AI incorrectly claimed that Kate Winslet’s character survived the original film, highlighting how AI can propagate inaccuracies when fed bad data.

On the positive side, Burns spoke with epidemiologist Ian Lipkin, who sees AI as a potential tool to predict virus emergence by analyzing existing compounds. This shows AI’s practical use beyond storytelling.

Burns acknowledges that the presence of AI in writing raises complex questions, especially within the writers guild. Some oppose AI’s use outright, while others like Bilton embrace it. Burns positions himself in the middle, recognizing that AI is here to stay and creators must learn to incorporate it productively.

He also expressed concern about studios using AI to generate formulaic movie outlines, which may not guarantee success despite claims. The creative process should retain space for originality and human insight.

What’s Next for AI and Screenwriting?

The Audible series documents Burns’ journey as an experiment in collaboration with AI. It captures moments of surprise, humor, and deep reflection on what it means to create with an AI partner. Lexter even injected playful moments, like telling Soderbergh, “no pressure.”

The project doesn’t reveal the full plot of the Contagion sequel, but Burns confirms that Lexter contributed key ideas. The series offers a candid look at how AI can assist rather than replace human creativity.

For writers curious about AI’s role in storytelling and practical guidance on working with AI tools, exploring educational resources can help. Platforms like Complete AI Training provide courses tailored to writers looking to integrate AI into their workflows.

What Could Go Wrong? is narrated by Scott Z. Burns and is available exclusively on Audible. It offers a valuable case study on the evolving relationship between writers and AI.