Simu Liu has strongly criticised Hollywood’s growing use of artificial intelligence, especially the idea of replacing background actors with digital replicas. His comments came after investor Kevin O’Leary claimed studios could save millions by using AI-generated extras in large-scale scenes.
O’Leary argued that AI would cut production costs from ninety million dollars to nearly thirty-five million, allowing studios to make more films at lower budgets. Liu disagreed, calling it unfair to target background actors who earn modest wages while studio executives and lead stars continue to make millions.
He said it’s wrong to treat human effort as expendable in the name of efficiency. For him, replacing extras with AI isn’t a technological step forward but a moral step backward. It’s about respect — for the people who make films possible, not just the ones who headline them.
Liu’s remarks align with growing resistance among creative professionals who fear that AI threatens artistic authenticity. Many filmmakers believe no machine can replicate the emotional imperfections that make human performances powerful and relatable.
These fears intensified after the introduction of Tilly Norwood, an entirely AI-generated performer that reignited debate over ownership, consent, and creative credit. The issue is no longer about convenience — it’s about the value of real human contribution in art.
By defending background actors, Liu reinforces a message that’s gaining traction across Hollywood: cinema must remain about real people, real stories, and real emotion — not digital shortcuts designed for profit.
