Gareth Edwards Praises Generative AI and Draws Fan Backlash

His endorsement raises fresh questions about how a franchise built on practical effects might use AI in early design work.

Overview

Gareth Edwards told The Hollywood Reporter at the AI on the Lot event on Saturday that generative AI is “a f**king genius at helping you” and predicted it could outperform some traditional CGI tools.
He clarified that he views AI as a rapid ideation and iteration tool that can organize ideas and produce concept images but that it “has no taste” and should not replace human creative judgment.
The comments produced a divided reaction online, with some fans accusing directors of endorsing automation and others arguing Edwards described limited pre‑production uses rather than finished visual effects.
Universal Pictures has not announced any plan to use AI-generated dinosaurs and reports that Edwards is in talks to return as director remain unconfirmed by the studio.
The episode highlights a wider industry split—some filmmakers use AI for storyboards while others voice resistance—and signals potential pressure on VFX crews and studio policy as studios decide how to apply AI tools.