MCU’s Simu Liu Criticizes AI Replacing Human Extras in Film Production

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Simu Liu, known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently shared his thoughts on the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in filmmaking. Some people believe AI can help make movies more efficient, but others worry it might lead to compromises in quality.

According to Variety, Kevin O’Leary, an investor and actor in the new film Marty Supreme, believes artificial intelligence could be used instead of background actors to lower the costs of making movies. The Shark Tank star explained his idea, saying:

As a critic, I was fascinated by what producer O’Leary pointed out about modern filmmaking. Apparently, nearly every scene in some of these big productions requires around 150 background extras! Think about it – that’s 150 people on set for 18-hour days, fully costumed, even if they barely register on screen. It’s a huge expense, costing millions just to create that visual atmosphere. O’Leary wonders – and I have to agree – why filmmakers aren’t using AI to fill those roles instead? These aren’t principal actors needing lines; they’re just visual elements. Utilizing AI could save a fortune – potentially slashing a $90 million budget down to $35 million, allowing the same director to actually make two films instead of one. It’s a smart idea that could really change things.

Liu quickly dismissed O’Leary’s efforts to cut costs. Responding to an article on the matter, the Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star tweeted: “It’s easy to blame the background actors earning $15–22 an hour while trying to survive, instead of the top-billed stars making millions.”

Rami Malek isn’t the only one worried about AI taking over filmmaking. Famous director Guillermo del Toro recently stated he’d prefer to stop making movies altogether than use AI, comparing it to the dangerous ambition of Victor Frankenstein.

The introduction of AI performer Tilly Norwood has intensified concerns about the potential impact on human actors. In response, the actors’ union, SAG-AFTRA, stated that it believes creativity should remain a human endeavor and that it opposes replacing actors with artificial intelligence.

The statement clarified that ‘Tilly Norwood’ isn’t a real actor, but a computer-generated character created by training a program on the work of many performers without their consent or payment. It emphasized that this character lacks real-life experience and emotion, and audiences don’t seem interested in purely computer-generated content. Rather than solving a problem, it creates one: using the unapproved work of actors to potentially take away their jobs, harm their careers, and diminish the value of human creativity.

Liu’s reaction to O’Leary’s statements aligns with SAG-AFTRA’s concerns about Tilly Norwood, even though he’s focusing on background performers rather than those with speaking roles. Ensuring fair compensation for behind-the-scenes crew and extras in the age of AI is challenging, but prioritizing cost savings isn’t the best solution.

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2025-10-26 03:23