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Spielberg says AI should not replace writers or creative decision-making in filmmaking
Steven Spielberg says AI will not replace writers or make creative decisions in his films. "Use AI as a tool, but do not use AI as the final word on anything creative," he said.
Spielberg Draws Line on AI in Creative Roles
Steven Spielberg will not use artificial intelligence to replace writers or make core creative decisions in his films. Speaking on the "IMO" podcast, the director said AI has no place at the writer's table or in determining dialogue, camera placement, or set design.
"I don't believe there is any substitute for the soul," Spielberg said. "I don't think that is an algorithm that's inventible."
Spielberg acknowledged AI can handle practical tasks like location scouting. But he rejected using it as a decision-maker on anything creative. "Use AI as a tool, but do not use AI as the final word on anything creative. That's where I draw the line," he said.
His position reflects a broader concern among some Hollywood figures about AI's role in production. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio made a similar argument in December 2025, saying work created by AI cannot be "authentically" considered art because it lacks human grounding.
"I think anything that is going to be authentically thought of as art has to come from the human being," DiCaprio said. He noted that AI-generated mashups may be technically impressive but lack lasting meaning.
For writers and other creative professionals, these statements signal ongoing debate about where AI fits in the production process. The question isn't whether the technology will be used-it's whether it remains a supporting tool or becomes a replacement for human judgment.