Peter Jackson has no problem with AI being used to make movies

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Peter Jackson, the director of The Lord of the Rings, believes that using AI in filmmaking is similar to employing any other visual effect.

Peter Jackson is a pioneer in using digital technology in filmmaking. He famously oversaw the creation of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings, a character brought to life through motion capture and computer animation, and also created the impressive visual effects for King Kong.

He’s receiving a special award at the Cannes Film Festival – an Honorary Palme d’Or – recognizing his incredible career. His films include popular titles like Bad Taste, Heavenly Creatures, The Frighteners, They Shall Not Grow Old, The Beatles: Get Back, and The Hobbit trilogy.

Peter Jackson often incorporates new filmmaking technology into his movies, and he recently shared his thoughts on the use of artificial intelligence in cinema during a discussion at the Cannes Film Festival.

Peter Jackson says AI is “no different from other special effects”

Peter Jackson is okay with artificial intelligence being used in filmmaking. He even joked that while AI ‘might destroy the world,’ he actually doesn’t have any issues with it being used to create movies.

Jackson explained to the audience at Cannes that it was simply a visual effect, no different than any other he’d used before.

Jackson is firm on the issue of copyright, emphasizing the importance of protecting actors’ rights. He believes using AI to create a digital double of someone – like Indiana Jones, for example – is acceptable as long as the proper licenses are obtained. However, he strongly objects to the unauthorized use of someone’s likeness, calling it a form of theft.

Peter Jackson views AI in filmmaking simply as another special effect. He doesn’t see it as something negative at all.

— Variety (@Variety) May 13, 2026

But Jackson does believe there’s an issue with the technology when it comes to perception.

Jackson notes that there’s a lot of current concern about AI. However, he believes a character created or resembling ‘Gollum’ – or any entirely AI-generated character – has no chance of winning awards.

That feels a little unfair, particularly with Andy Serkis, because his work isn’t created by AI—it’s entirely a human performance.

Why Andy Serkis is directing The Hunt for Gollum

Peter Jackson is currently making ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,’ scheduled for release on December 17, 2027. He also explained in a recent interview why he chose Andy Serkis to direct the film.

The movie really delves into Gollum’s mind and his struggles with addiction. Because Andy Serkis understands that character so well – better than anyone, really – I didn’t focus much on my own role as director. I felt the most compelling version of the film would be one directed by Andy himself.

Find out about the emotional baggage Frodo carries into the new film. You can also read more about the ongoing discussions around AI, including controversies surrounding AI-created works like the films Megalopolis, Late Night With the Devil, and Thunderbolts, and the TV shows True Detective and the One Piece anime, as well as the AI creation Tilly Norwood.

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2026-05-13 19:19