Top Gun" Producer Weighs in on AI's Impact on the Film Industry

Legendary "Top Gun" producer Jerry Bruckheimer discusses the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance filmmaking while addressing concerns about it replacing key crew members. Despite acknowledging its benefits, Bruckheimer expresses skepticism about AI eliminating essential roles in the industry.

"Top Gun" producer Jerry Bruckheimer believes in the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve filmmaking. "Anything that makes our lives easier that doesn’t take jobs away from people that we work with every day is good for everybody. It gives them a better movie experience. We can make things look more real and things like that," he told Fox News Digital.

However, Bruckheimer doesn't foresee AI replacing important jobs in the industry. "We'e certainly not going to replace actors. You’re never going to replace the key crew members that we work with. (They’re) always going to be there," the "Bad Boys" producer said.

Bruckheimer's comments follow a report from The Hollywood Reporter that many in the industry are using AI behind the scenes. David Stripinis, a VFX professional who has worked on films like "Avatar," "Man of Steel," and several Marvel titles, told the outlet, "There are tons of people who are using AI, but they can’t admit it publicly because you still need artists for a lot of work."

AI expert Marva Bailer believes AI will continue to play a role in filmmaking and marketing, and studios must inform audiences about its use. "Studios are public businesses, and they're looking for deep customer relationships. And their customers now are very educated on technology, and they're looking for this high level of transparency," Bailer said.

Despite its benefits, AI's use in filmmaking has faced some criticism. A24's "Civil War" drew backlash for its alleged use of AI-generated promotional images. The horror movie "Late Night with the Devil" also used AI-generated cutaway graphics, sparking threats of boycott from some moviegoers.

Bailer notes that many moviegoers are unaware of AI's use in filmmaking. "Most movie goers don't know what AI was being used for. So, we're thinking about the cool, sexy, imaginative ideas, but it's actually been used for some of the really basic and actually annoying habits that we have as humans," like correcting eye movements.

AI has been used in recent releases like "Dune: Part Two" to enhance the Fremen characters' distinct glowing blue eyes and in "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga" to blend Anya Taylor-Joy's features with that of Alyla Browne, who plays the younger Furiosa.

Taylor-Joy acknowledges concerns about AI replacing actors and artists but believes transparency and consent are crucial. "There’s a reason that our industry went on strike," she said. "It is something that is frightening."

AI's potential to displace jobs was a major sticking point in recent industry strikes, leading to protections for actors and writers. Despite these concerns, Bailer sees a net positive impact. "We're not going to replace everything entirely, but it's really to unlock that imagination and iteration. ... But to have that starting point. That's where AI is really helping," she said.

Bruckheimer and Bailer emphasize that AI should complement creativity, not replace it. "And people that have a creative mindset are going to need to lean into that because it's a new era, and it gives them the opportunity to do work that they might not have ever imagined," Bailer said.