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James Cameron Calls AI‑Made Actors 'Horrifying' in New TV Interview

He draws a sharp line between motion‑capture that records human performances versus generative tools that fabricate them.

Overview

  • Speaking on CBS’ Sunday Morning, Cameron said generative AI that can “make up an actor” or a performance from a text prompt is horrifying.
  • He reiterated that the Avatar films’ motion‑capture and CGI workflows are meant to honor human acting rather than replace it.
  • His remarks arrive after comedian‑producer Eline Van der Velden unveiled AI performer Tilly Norwood in September, prompting immediate industry backlash.
  • Van der Velden has defended Tilly as a creative work and predicts gradual adoption from AI‑assisted shots to potential full AI films, suggesting some viewers may not notice.
  • Cameron, who serves on the board of Stability AI, acknowledged AI could help reduce VFX costs but argued it cannot match the originality of human artistry.