Netflix’s Head Honcho Gets Real About Using AI In One Of Its Shows For The First Time: ‘Just Wouldn’t Have Been Feasible’

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As a passionate movie critic, I’ve witnessed Netflix revolutionize the TV landscape with groundbreaking shows like “Stranger Things” and “Black Mirror,” pushing the boundaries of CGI technology. Recently, they’ve stirred debate among film professionals by integrating AI into their creative projects. Now, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is shedding light on this decision, explaining why AI was essential for their latest Argentinian production, “The Eternaut.

Ted Sarandos discussed the integration of AI in Netflix’s 2025 release, “The Eternaut,” during a conversation with analysts following the company’s financial update after the second quarter, as reported by The Guardian. Emphasizing that AI isn’t merely a cost-cutting measure, he stressed its role as a creative tool to enhance film or show quality. In this specific case, AI was employed to create special effects that would have exceeded the budget of the production if done conventionally. He stated:

The expense associated with the special effects, absent AI technology, would simply be beyond the financial reach of a production within such a budget.

In the story of “The Eternaut,” we follow characters who’ve endured a severe climate catastrophe resulting in poisonous snowfall. To depict a Buenos Aires structure crumbling on screen, Netflix prompted visual effects (VFX) specialists to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI). As Sarandos stated, the application of AI led to outstanding outcomes; it was achieved tenfold faster compared to conventional CGI methods, and significantly reduced production costs, making the series possible with less expense without AI.

Sarandos expresses optimism that AI can function as a creative resource in the entertainment industry, but creatives have shown apprehension about its extensive adoption. This topic sparked significant discussion during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, as they were concerned about potential job losses due to increased reliance on AI.

Actors and writers alike have expressed concerns about advanced technologies replacing their roles on-screen, be it their physical appearance, voiceovers, or even scriptwriting. The use of AI in script production is a growing concern, as tools like ChatGPT gain prominence, potentially overshadowing traditional writers’ rooms. This topic gained traction during the Oscars season this year, with reports indicating that the film The Brutalist employed AI for some of its architectural models.

In Hollywood, it’s increasingly apparent that AI is moving from theory to practice, with guidelines and certain safeguards already established.

One perspective is that advancements in affordable visual effects, such as those demonstrated by Netflix with “The Eternaut,” offer advantages, as Ted Sarandos noted. With reduced production costs, the streaming service may invest in a larger number of shows, thereby generating more job opportunities within the industry. However, the increasing use of AI for VFX could potentially lead to fewer jobs for visual effects artists, which is a concern that will undoubtedly remain a topic of discussion.

Currently, large production companies and broadcasters view it as a useful instrument, but whether it will eventually replace existing methods remains to be seen as the technology continues to advance.

Experience the AI-generated visuals firsthand in the series “The Eternaut“, currently streaming on Netflix with your subscription. Don’t forget to check out our feature for updates on other exciting projects arriving on Netflix this year.

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2025-07-23 03:37