Full Breakdown
The Future of Film: Kevin O'Leary Advocates for AI-Generated Extras
10/23/2025, 12:55:46 AM
Kevin O'Leary's Vision for AI in Filmmaking
Kevin O'Leary, the investor and television personality known for his role on "Shark Tank," has recently made headlines with his advocacy for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in film production. In discussions surrounding his upcoming film, "Marty Supreme," O'Leary suggested that AI-generated extras could significantly reduce production costs, potentially saving the film industry millions of dollars. He highlighted that traditional casting often requires large numbers of human extras—up to 150 per scene—who must remain attentive and dressed for long hours, incurring substantial expenses.
O'Leary argued that replacing these background actors with AI agents could streamline production and allow filmmakers to allocate their budgets more efficiently. He stated, “Why couldn’t you simply put AI agents in their place? Because they’re not the main actors. They’re only in the story visually.” He proposed that a production budget of $90 million could be reduced to $35 million, enabling directors to create more films.
The Role of AI in "Marty Supreme"
"Marty Supreme," produced by A24, is set to release on Christmas Day and carries a production budget exceeding $60 million, making it the studio's most expensive feature to date. The film stars Timothée Chalamet as a ping-pong prodigy, with O'Leary playing a supporting role. O'Leary's comments about AI were made during an interview on The Hill’s “World of Travel: The Podcast,” where he also referenced Tilly Norwood, an AI-generated actress that has sparked controversy in Hollywood. He noted that Tilly could work continuously without breaks, positioning her as a viable alternative to human actors.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
O'Leary's endorsement of AI in filmmaking has not gone unchallenged. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has condemned the use of AI-generated performers, arguing that it jeopardizes the livelihoods of real actors and devalues human artistry. The union previously led a significant strike in 2023, addressing concerns about AI's impact on the industry.
Despite the backlash, O'Leary remains optimistic about AI's potential, asserting that it could enhance artistic quality by allowing directors to focus on main performances while maintaining a rich background environment. He stated, “An extra is a perfect application for AI technology,” emphasizing that the visual presence of extras does not necessarily require them to be human.
Netflix's Commitment to AI
Parallel to O'Leary's views, Netflix has also embraced AI technology, declaring itself "all in" on leveraging generative AI across its streaming platform. The company highlighted AI's role in improving content recommendations and production processes. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos acknowledged the concerns surrounding AI but maintained that it would not replace human creativity. He stated, “It takes a great artist to make something great,” emphasizing that AI can enhance storytelling but cannot replace the artistry involved in filmmaking.
Conclusion: A Transformative Era for Filmmaking
As the film industry navigates the integration of AI, O'Leary's comments signal a shift in the conversation from theoretical discussions to practical applications. While the potential for cost savings and enhanced production capabilities is significant, the implications for human performers and the authenticity of storytelling remain critical considerations. The release of "Marty Supreme" may serve as a pivotal case study in the ongoing debate about the role of AI in filmmaking, highlighting the need for a balance between innovation and artistic integrity.
