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Kevin O’Leary Urges AI Extras for ‘Marty Supreme,’ Citing ‘Millions’ in Savings

The investor’s cost-cutting pitch runs into SAG-AFTRA’s stance that synthetic performers are not actors.

Overview

  • On The Hill’s World of Travel podcast, O’Leary said scenes used up to 150 extras and argued AI stand-ins could reduce expenses by millions and free budgets for more films.
  • He said he is developing an “AI Kevin” trained in Abu Dhabi and plans further training to make the model indistinguishable to audiences.
  • O’Leary praised the AI persona Tilly Norwood but repeatedly misnamed her and also misstated the name of an AI music act, errors reported by trade outlets.
  • SAG-AFTRA previously condemned AI-created performers like Norwood, calling them “not an actor” and warning they threaten livelihoods and devalue human artistry.
  • Variety reports A24’s Marty Supreme carries a budget north of $60 million, the company’s most expensive feature, with a theatrical release set for Christmas Day.