In a recent CBS Sunday Morning interview, director James Cameron expressed strong opposition to generative AI replacing human actors, calling the idea 'horrifying.' While promoting the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash, he emphasized the sanctity of real performances in motion capture. Cameron sees AI as a potential tool for cost-effective VFX but insists it cannot replicate true creativity.
Interview Context
James Cameron discussed his views on artificial intelligence during an extended CBS Sunday Morning interview on November 30, 2025, while promoting Avatar: Fire and Ash, the third installment in the Avatar franchise set for theatrical release on December 19, 2025. The three-time Oscar winner, known for films like Titanic and The Terminator, reflected on his early use of motion capture technology in the 2009 Avatar, initially keeping it secretive to preserve the 'magic' for audiences—a decision he now calls a mistake that fueled misconceptions about replacing actors with computers.
Stance on Generative AI
Cameron, who serves on the board of Stability AI, distinguished motion capture as a 'celebration of the actor-director moment' from generative AI, which he described as capable of creating 'a performance from scratch with a text prompt.' He stated, 'That's horrifying to me. That's the opposite. That's exactly what we’re not doing.' He added, 'I don’t want a computer doing what I pride myself on being able to do with actors. I don’t want to replace actors, I love working with actors.'
Potential Benefits and Limitations
Despite his concerns, Cameron acknowledged AI's role in making visual effects 'cheaper,' which could revive imaginative genres like science fiction amid a contracting theatrical market favoring established IP. He argued that AI, trained on existing data, cannot produce truly original content: 'What generative AI can’t do is create something new that’s never been seen... You won’t find the idiosyncrasies of a particular actor.' This, he believes, will elevate human artistry, making 'the act of performance... sacred, more so.'
Broader Industry Reaction
Cameron's comments align with criticisms from filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, Celine Song, and Denis Villeneuve, who have declared AI has no place in moviemaking. A recent example of backlash came from the September 2025 Zurich Summit introduction of AI performer Tilly Norwood, which drew widespread industry opposition.