Jenna Ortega Warns Hollywood About AI's Threat to Creativity

Actress Jenna Ortega, known for her role in Netflix's 'Wednesday', made headlines during a panel discussion at the Marrakech Film Festival on Saturday, November 11, 2023, where she warned about the dangers of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry.

Ortega expressed her concerns, stating, 'As humans, we have a tendency to always, when you look back at history, take things too far.' She described the current state of AI technology as having opened a 'Pandora's Box', emphasizing that there are certain artistic elements that AI simply cannot replicate. 'There’s beautiful, difficult mistakes, and a computer can’t do that.

A computer has no soul,' Ortega elaborated, underscoring her point that AI-generated content lacks the emotional depth that resonates with audiences. Ortega went on to predict a future where audiences might grow weary of AI content, suggesting that it could become 'some sort of mental junk food.' She speculated that this might lead to a renewed appreciation for genuine artistry, stating, 'I think sometimes, it’s terrible sometimes, the audiences need to be deprived of something in order to achieve something again.' Also present at the panel was acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon Ho, who humorously suggested organizing a military squad to combat AI.

He remarked, 'My official answer is, AI is good because it’s the very beginning of the human race finally seriously thinking about what only humans can do. But my personal answer is, I’m going to organize a military squad, and their mission is to destroy AI.' Moroccan filmmaker Hakim Belabbes added a critical perspective, comparing the rise of AI in the creative space to a 'new form of colonialism', arguing that the AI models do not belong to him and reflect a 'whitewashing of our heritage.' This discussion at the Marrakech Film Festival highlights a growing concern among film industry leaders regarding the potential ramifications of AI technology on creativity and originality in Hollywood, prompting a necessary dialogue about the future of filmmaking in the age of machines.