Tom Holland says AI lacks a soul and cannot replace human creativity

Thursday 18 June 2026 - 11:30

British actor Tom Holland has expressed confidence in the enduring value of human creativity amid growing discussions about the role of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.

Speaking during a television appearance in Spain alongside his wife Zendaya, the Spider-Man star shared his views on the rapid development of generative AI technologies. While acknowledging the speed at which these systems are advancing, he argued that they remain fundamentally limited when it comes to artistic expression.

According to Holland, artificial intelligence is capable of processing vast amounts of data and generating content, but it cannot replicate the emotional depth that defines human creativity. He emphasized that artistic work is closely connected to lived experience, empathy, and emotional understanding—qualities that machines do not possess.

The actor suggested that AI systems may be able to analyze patterns in human behavior or storytelling, but they lack the ability to truly understand feelings such as joy, sadness, or love. For him, this emotional dimension is what gives art its meaning and authenticity.

His comments come at a time when the use of AI in Hollywood is increasingly debated, particularly regarding scriptwriting, visual effects, and digital performance tools. Industry professionals continue to discuss how these technologies could reshape creative jobs while raising ethical and artistic concerns.

Despite these changes, Holland expressed a calm perspective about the future of actors and filmmakers, implying that human performance will remain central to storytelling. He stressed that creativity is deeply rooted in human experience and cannot be fully replicated by algorithms.

The discussion reflects a broader global conversation about the balance between technological innovation and artistic integrity, as the entertainment industry adapts to the growing presence of artificial intelligence tools.