During an interview at the SXSW conference in Austin on Friday, acclaimed director Steven Spielberg expressed his reservations about the application of AI technology in creative work. When questioned about AI's role in filmmaking, Spielberg stated, “I’ve never used AI on any of my films yet,” a remark that drew enthusiastic cheers and applause from the audience.

The filmmaker, renowned for classics such as “Jaws,” “E. T.,” “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” clarified that his stance is not inherently anti-technology. Many of his own projects, including “Minority Report,” “Ready Player One,” and “A. I. Artificial Intelligence,” have explored technological themes and their dual potential for good and harm.

At SXSW 2026, Spielberg emphasized that he did not intend to launch into a tirade against AI, acknowledging support for the technology “in many disciplines.” However, he made it clear that in his writers’ rooms, even for television, “there’s not an empty chair with a laptop in front of it,” underscoring his commitment to keeping human creativity at the core of the process. “I am not for AI if it replaces a creative individual,” he affirmed.

While a figure of Spielberg’s stature may not feel the need for AI assistance, the technology is gaining traction elsewhere in the industry. AI startups are actively targeting independent filmmakers who operate with limited resources. Meanwhile, major streaming platforms are also exploring AI integration.

Amazon has announced it is testing AI tools for film and television production this year, and Netflix recently acquired Ben Affleck’s AI filmmaking company for a reported $600 million earlier this month.