Steven Spielberg has voiced his opposition to artificial intelligence replacing creative talent in the film industry.
The 79-year-old filmmaker, who directed the 2001 science fiction film AI, Artificial Intelligence, shared his concerns about the technology's growing role in Hollywood during an appearance on the IMO podcast hosted by Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.
While acknowledging that AI could prove beneficial in areas such as finding "solutions to medical issues", the legendary director expressed reservations about its application within his own profession.
Mr Spielberg made clear he does not want the technology to supplant human creativity in the moviemaking process.
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The director articulated his belief that human creativity cannot be replicated by machines.
"I don't believe there is any substitute for the soul," Mr Spielberg stated.
He expressed particular concern about AI occupying creative roles traditionally held by writers.
"Where I don't love AI is where it takes a position, or there's an empty chair at a writer's table," he explained.
Mr Spielberg argued AI should remain a production tool rather than control creative decisions
The director rejected the notion that computers could develop genuine emotional understanding.
He said: "A computer that thinks it feels more than we feel is anathema to the way I was raised and how I'll practice my own trade of producing and directing in the future."
Despite his reservations, Mr Spielberg acknowledged that AI could serve a practical purpose in film production.
He envisioned the technology helping to "save us a lot of legwork" through tasks such as scouting locations.
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However, the director was emphatic about its limitations.
"Don't tell me how to write my dialogue for this character.
"Don't tell me where the camera has to go."
He continued: "And also, don't tell me what the set should look like, unless AI is simply a tool in a large tool chest of the production designer.
"Use AI as a tool, but do not use AI as the final word on anything creative. That's where I draw the line."
Mr Spielberg is not alone among prominent Hollywood figures in expressing scepticism about AI's role in creative work.
Leonardo DiCaprio shared similar views in a December interview with Time magazine, arguing that AI fundamentally lacks the humanity required to produce genuine art.
Leonardo DiCaprio also criticised AI-generated art for lacking genuine 'humanity'
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"I think anything that is going to be authentically thought of as art has to come from the human being," the actor said.
Mr DiCaprio acknowledged that AI-generated content, such as musical mashups, could be impressive.
Still, he suggested it ultimately fades into "the ether of other internet junk" because "there's no anchoring to it. There's no humanity to it."