Peter Jackson Says AI in Film Is “Just a Special Effect”

Peter Jackson says AI in movies is “just a special effect,” but he worries the debate around the technology could hurt recognition for motion-capture actors like Andy Serkis.

Speaking at the Cannes Film Festival after receiving an honorary Palme d’Or award, the “Lord of the Rings” director said he does not oppose the use of AI in filmmaking. However, he stressed that actors’ rights must be protected.

“If you’re doing an AI duplicate of somebody … as long as you’ve licensed the rights off the person who you’re showing, I don’t see the issue,” Jackson said. He added that the real problem is when people’s likenesses are used without permission.

Jackson said concerns about AI may make it harder for motion-capture performances to receive awards recognition. He pointed to Serkis’ famous role as Gollum in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy.

“A Gollum-type character or a generated character has no hope for winning awards,” Jackson said. He argued that Serkis’ work was fully created by a human actor, not by AI.

Serkis is now directing and starring in the upcoming film “The Hunt for Gollum.” Jackson said he believed Serkis was the right choice to direct because he understands the character deeply.

“The film is about Gollum’s psychology and addiction,” Jackson said. “Andy knows this guy better than anybody.”

During the Cannes ceremony, actor Elijah Wood, who played Frodo in the trilogy, presented Jackson with the honorary award. Wood praised Jackson for changing modern filmmaking.

Jackson also reflected on the early days of “The Lord of the Rings.” He said making the trilogy in New Zealand was once seen as a risky decision. But after showing footage from “The Fellowship of the Ring” at Cannes in 2001, public opinion changed and excitement for the films grew.