Gal Gadot Instagram
The integration of artificial intelligence into mainstream cinema has sparked an intense, industry-wide debate. Hollywood superstar Gal Gadot is currently at the centre of the storm. The actress recently spoke out to defend her involvement in the upcoming film Bitcoin.
The film is directed by Doug Liman and The $70 million (£51.6 million) biographical thriller features prominent actors such as Casey Affleck and Pete Davidson acting alongside Gadot. The ambitious project is drawing widespread controversy because it actively relies on AI to generate its sets and lighting. The film is bypassing traditional physical set construction and conventional lighting techniques
Get With It or Be Left Out
During a recent appearance on the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast hosted by Josh Horowitz, Gal Gadot was promoting her new Prime Video action film The Runner. The polarising topic of AI inevitably arose.
Addressing the mounting criticism surrounding her participation in a film that seemingly automates traditional below-the-line production jobs, Gadot took a highly pragmatic stance.
She stated quite plainly that actors and filmmakers must embrace the technology, arguing that ‘you’re going to work with it or be out of the game completely’.
This stark assessment echoes the controversial sentiments of many industry executives who believe that resisting technological advancement is a futile endeavour in modern Hollywood. It also argues that creative professionals must adapt so they do not get left behind.
Unwilling To Jeopardise Her Digital Autonomy
Yet, despite her vocal public defence of AI replacing manual labour such as set design and lighting, Gadot was simultaneously unwilling to jeopardise her own digital autonomy.
Industry reports indicate that her legal team spent six rigorous months negotiating her contract for Bitcoin. Their primary objective during this lengthy period was to secure ironclad, legal guarantees that artificial intelligence would not be used to alter her likeness or manipulate her acting performance in any capacity on screen.
This revelation has highlighted a glaring double standard within the upper echelons of the entertainment industry, sparking frustration among union advocates and production crews.
On one hand, A-list talent and influential producers appear willing to utilise cost-saving AI measures that directly threaten the livelihoods of traditional crew members. On the other hand, those same high-profile stars are actively deploying vast legal rehe broader industry must eagerly adopt
Yet Another Controversial Precedent
The ongoing controversy surrounding Liman’s Bitcoin project will likely serve as a pivotal case study for future studio negotiations. As the capabilities of generative artificial intelligence rapidly expand, the film industry is being forced to confront uncomfortable realities about physical labour, creative artistry, and digital ownership.
Gadot’s comments on the ‘Happy Sad Confused’ podcast make it abundantly clear that the technology is taking root on modern soundstages. Yet her exhaustive legal efforts also show that while elite actors may be willing to stand on an AI-generated set, they are far from ready to surrender their own humanity to a computer algorithm.
