James Gray rejects AI in filmmaking and expects young directors to follow suit

Sunday 09 August 2026 - 13:00

By: Sahili Aya

James Gray rejects AI in filmmaking and expects young directors to follow suit

American filmmaker James Gray has made clear that he has no intention of incorporating artificial intelligence into his filmmaking, describing the technology as both unnecessary and deeply troubling.

The director, known for films including Little Odessa, The Yards, We Own the Night and Two Lovers, expressed his opposition to generative AI in a recent interview with Variety. His comments come as an increasing number of filmmakers experiment with the technology for different stages of film production.

Gray questions the value of AI in cinema

Gray's criticism is rooted in his belief that artificial intelligence offers little that filmmakers genuinely need.

While AI-generated tools are increasingly being explored for visual effects, pre-production and other creative processes, the New York-born director says he has no plans to use them in his own work.

He characterised the technology as "useless" and "nightmarish", making clear that his position is not simply one of caution but of fundamental opposition to its role in filmmaking.

Confidence in a new generation of filmmakers

Despite his concerns about the direction of the industry, Gray said he remains hopeful about the filmmakers who are now beginning their careers.

His optimism is based on the idea that younger directors will continue to value authenticity and human creativity rather than relying heavily on generative technologies.

For Gray, the future of cinema should remain closely connected to the personal vision of its creators. He appears to view the imperfections and individual choices involved in traditional filmmaking as essential elements of the art form.

A growing divide over AI in Hollywood

Gray's stance contrasts with that of several prominent filmmakers who have taken a more open approach to artificial intelligence.

Directors such as Martin Scorsese, Mathieu Kassovitz and Claude Lelouch have shown varying degrees of interest in the technology, reflecting a broader debate within the film industry about whether AI represents a creative opportunity or a threat to established artistic practices.

The discussion has become increasingly important as generative AI tools develop rapidly and studios, filmmakers and artists assess their potential uses.

Gray's position places him firmly among those resisting that shift. His comments suggest that, for some filmmakers, preserving a distinctly human creative process remains more important than embracing the latest technological capabilities.

Locarno honour comes amid industry debate

Gray's remarks came shortly after he received the Pardo alla carriera at the 79th Locarno Film Festival in July, recognising his career in cinema.

The honour arrives at a moment when the industry is debating how technological change could reshape filmmaking.

For Gray, however, the answer appears straightforward: technological innovation should not come at the expense of the human perspective that he considers central to cinema.