Guillermo del Toro recently shared his thoughts on filmmaking, technology, and mortality while promoting his upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein. The Oscar-winning director discussed his creative philosophy and made clear that he would “rather die” than use generative AI in his work.
Guillermo del Toro says he’d ‘rather die’ than use AI in his films
Guillermo del Toro has reaffirmed his opposition to generative AI, stating that he would “rather die” than use it in his films. In a recent interview with NPR, the Oscar-winning director discussed his upcoming adaptation of Frankenstein and his personal philosophy toward technology and creativity. Del Toro, who also helmed The Shape of Water, said he believes machines can not replicate human artistry or moral reflection.
He said his issue is not with artificial intelligence itself, but with “natural stupidity.” He compared the arrogance of modern tech developers to Victor Frankenstein’s blind ambition. “He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences, and I think we have to take a pause and consider where we’re going,” Guillermo del Toro said. The filmmaker added that AI’s expansion mirrors the same hubris explored in Mary Shelley’s original work.
Speaking about his lifelong fascination with death, Guillermo del Toro said he no longer fears mortality and views it as “the metronome of our existence.” He shared that his grandmother’s nightly prayers about death profoundly shaped his perception of life and loss. He recalled growing up among books and exotic animals after his father’s 1969 lottery win. The director described their home as “an enchanted castle.”
Del Toro called his first viewing of the 1931 Frankenstein at age seven an “epiphany” that shaped his artistry. His forthcoming Frankenstein reimagines the creature as a tragic hero influenced by 19th-century Romanticism. On his creative philosophy, he concluded, “AI, particularly generative AI — I am not interested, nor will I ever be interested. I’m 61, and I hope to be able to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak.”
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on ComingSoon.
