While the world continues to debate the use of Artificial Intelligence, the technology has quietly found its way into some of the biggest industries. Hollywood is one of them, where some fiercely resist the shift while others are exploring the opportunities. Among the latter is Steven Soderbergh, who has openly spoken about using AI in his documentary, John Lennon: The Last Interview.

Needless to say, the revelation has landed him in massive backlash and criticism. As for Soderbergh, he seems puzzled by the noise.

Steven Soderbergh claimed that he used generative AI in John Lennon: The Last Interview to create visuals during abstract conversations between John Lennon and Yoko Ono. It is based on John Lennon and his wife, Yoko Ono’s RKO Radio interview in 1980. The film is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, but has also drawn criticism, which Soderbergh does not quite understand.

“This is mystifying to me,” he said about the backlash he is facing for the step in his recent interview with Variety. 

When asked if he is aware of the backlash, Soderbergh admitted that he is, while revealing that he sensed it in the way people started seeing him differently and grew more judgmental. While he did not have much to say on the criticism, he was more vocal about how AI helped solve a creative challenge for him. He added that he is not threatened by the technology and instead chose to experiment with the possibilities this new tool could offer.

“Ten years ago, I would have needed to engage a visual effects house at an unbelievable cost to come up with this stuff,” he further explained.

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The filmmaker behind movies like Out of Sight and Ocean's 8, Soderbergh, also weighed in on the role of AI in society, as well as about those who remain hesitant to embrace it.

Steven Soderbergh, in his interview with Variety, clarified that he does not see AI as a solution to everything. He acknowledged that while the technology may be popular in the future and called a “fun” phase or may not be widely used in the future. He also expressed respect for those who oppose it or choose not to engage with it, calling that choice their “privilege.”

“I have absolute love and respect for that refuse to engage with it. That’s their privilege,” he said.

However, Soderbergh said that he wished to explore the many opportunities this tool can offer. And indeed,  it has simply helped him overcome a creative challenge. That said, as he explained, it remains to be seen how AI, with all its well-known advantages and flaws, will ultimately shape up in the industry.

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What do you think about Steven Soderbergh's stance on AI? Let us know in the comments.