Avatar director James Cameron calls AI actors “horrifying”

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James Cameron, the director of Avatar, has expressed strong disapproval of AI-generated actors, describing the practice as deeply concerning.

In September, a new AI character named Tilly Norwood caused a stir in Hollywood. Xicoia, a talent studio, believes she has the potential to become as famous as actresses like Scarlett Johansson or Natalie Portman.

Hollywood quickly responded to the controversy. Scream actress Melissa Barrera called the situation “disgusting,” and Mathilda actress Mara Wilson questioned how the image was created, wondering if it used the faces of many real young women.

James Cameron, the director of Avatar: Fire and Ash, is now speaking out about the use of computers and visual effects in his films, and how that differs from the current trend of using what are being called ‘AI performers’.

James Cameron says creating actors is exactly what he’s “not doing” on the Avatar movies

Cameron recalls that people were initially doubtful about his process for creating the Avatar films, specifically his use of performance capture technology.

He explains to CBS News that for a long time, people worried computers would replace actors. But he says that’s not true – what they’re actually doing is finding new ways to highlight the special connection between actors and directors.

He explains that they record an actor’s movements using many cameras for their body, and one or two cameras focused solely on their face. Because the facial capture is a constant close-up, he compares the process to a theatrical rehearsal.

Cameron immediately clarifies that this approach differs significantly from what companies like Xicoia, with projects like Tilly Norwood, are doing.

Cameron explains that, at the opposite end of the scale, generative AI can create entirely fictional characters, actors, and even performances simply from text instructions. He finds this deeply concerning, stating, ‘That’s exactly what we’re not trying to do.’

You’ll soon be able to see the results of James Cameron’s work on Avatar: Fire and Ash, which comes out on December 19, 2025. If you’re interested in the ongoing debate about AI in filmmaking, look into the controversies surrounding movies like Megalopolis, Late Night With the Devil, and Thunderbolts, as well as TV shows such as True Detective and the One Piece anime.

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2025-12-01 15:48