Affleck Confirms AI Use in 'Animals' Amid Netflix Deal
Ben Affleck confirmed using artificial intelligence for unspecified aspects of his upcoming Netflix thriller 'Animals,' which premieres on October 9. Speaking at Bloomberg's 2026 Screentime event, Affleck declined to detail the specific applications, citing the need to preserve the 'illusion of reality' in filmmaking. He described the technology as a standard computational advancement rather than a threat, noting that his recent $600 million sale of his AI company, InterPositive, to Netflix has made him a strong advocate for the tool. The film stars Gillian Anderson, Steven Yuen, and Kerry Washington. Affleck also addressed rumors regarding Netflix's creative control, denying claims that the streamer forced him and Matt Damon to reiterate the plot of their previous film, 'The Rip,' calling such notes 'idiotic' and contrary to his experience.
Key points
- Affleck used AI for 'lots of things' in 'Animals' but refused to specify which elements to maintain the audience's suspension of disbelief.
- The film, starring Kerry Washington, Gillian Anderson, and Steven Yuen, is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 9, 2026.
- Affleck recently sold his AI company, InterPositive, to Netflix for nearly $600 million, influencing his positive stance on the technology.
- He argued that AI is a 'technological advancement' similar to past innovations in film, and that familiarity helps filmmakers overcome fear of the tool.
- Affleck denied viral claims that Netflix forced him and Matt Damon to restate the plot of 'The Rip' in the first five minutes, calling such notes 'idiotic' and 'brazen.'
- He stated that AI will not replace the ability to create a movie people want to see simply by typing a prompt.
Background
This development follows recent personal losses for Affleck, including the deaths of his parents Timothy and Chris Anne Affleck in 2026, which he discussed in a podcast interview. It also follows Netflix's earlier use of AI-generated voices in the 'Wonka' reality series, which sparked debate about the ethics of digital recreation in entertainment.
Why it matters
Affleck's public endorsement of AI in a major Hollywood production signals a shift in industry attitudes, particularly given his financial ties to Netflix through the InterPositive acquisition. His defense of AI as a standard tool rather than a replacement for human creativity may influence how other studios and filmmakers approach the technology in 2026.
What to watch
The film 'Animals' will premiere on Netflix on October 9, 2026, where audience and critical reception will likely scrutinize the extent and impact of the AI tools Affleck utilized during production.
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