LOTR Director Peter Jackson Says He Isn’t Against AI in Filmmaking

AI is basically the new Pandora's box in Hollywood, and just about everyone has an opinion. The latest to weigh in? Peter Jackson — yes, the guy behind The Lord of the Rings. He just picked up an honorary Palme d'Or at Cannes, and the next day he was center stage at a masterclass talking about (what else?) the rise of artificial intelligence in the film world. If you've been waiting for a fiery denunciation... you won't find it here.

Peter Jackson: 'AI Is Just a Special Effect'

Jackson made it pretty clear: he's not losing any sleep over AI in movies. Here's the gist of what he said (and honestly, it's kind of surprising):

'I don’t dislike it at all. I mean, to me, it’s just a special effect. It’s no different from other special effects.'

So for Jackson, using AI is right in line with how movies have always leaned on tech to create something bigger, stranger, or more magical than reality. He's basically putting AI in the same bucket as green screens and digital monsters, except this time the 'monster' might be a digitally-generated actor.

One Big Condition: Don't Mess With Actors' Likenesses

Jackson did draw a line, though. He said it’s 'absolutely critical' that studios get proper consent if they want to use an actor's face or voice – so, no funny business with deepfake Indiana Jones unless Harrison Ford (or his estate) signs off on it. According to Jackson, it's the copyright and personal rights side of things where filmmakers actually need to pay attention. If everything's above board with the rights, he sees no problem.

But What About Awards?

Here's where it gets into more complicated territory, and I actually agree with him. Jackson pointed out that all the noise around AI could end up hurting actors who do motion capture, like Andy Serkis as Gollum. Serkis did every move and snarl, but with AI taking some credit now in the public's mind, it's getting murkier for awards to recognize the human performance behind the special effects. He basically called that unfair — and he's not wrong.

Fans: Not Everyone's Impressed

Of course, the hot takes started flying online (X, formerly Twitter, if you’re keeping track at home). Some couldn't believe the guy who made Braindead — and has always been big on practical effects — would be so chill about AI. One user said AI is 'just a special effect that took the food off the table for an artist.' Others backed Jackson up and dunked on what they called 'armchair critics' who have never set foot on a film set.

A Quick Roundup: What's Next for Jackson?

• He got his Palme d'Or the night before from none other than Elijah Wood (yes, Frodo).
• Jackson used the Cannes event to tease The Hunt for Gollum, the upcoming film starring and directed by Andy Serkis.
• The AI debate is definitely not going away, and Jackson — for now — is firmly in the 'it’s just a tool' camp, as long as everyone gets the proper credit (and rights) they're owed.

In short: Peter Jackson isn't panicking about AI, he just wants people to play fair. The only thing he's really worried about? That all this AI talk might unfairly steal the spotlight from the very real, very sweaty work of actors in mo-cap suits. Honestly, that's about as reasonable as this whole AI circus gets right now.