Seth Rogen tells filmmakers using AI to 'go do something else'

Seth Rogen has delivered one of Hollywood's strongest rejections of AI in filmmaking yet, telling writers who rely on artificial intelligence to 'go do something else.' During a Cannes interview with Brut, the filmmaker called AI-generated content 'the most stupid dog s**t I've ever seen in my life.'

What is Seth Rogen's stance on AI in filmmaking?

According to Rogen's interview at Cannes, his position couldn't be clearer: AI has no place in scriptwriting. 'I don't understand what it's supposed to do,' he said, dismissing viral Instagram content claiming 'Hollywood is cooked' with characteristic bluntness.

His advice to writers considering AI assistance was direct: 'If your instinct is to use AI and not go through that process, you shouldn't be a writer because then you're not writing. Go do something else.'

The comedy filmmaker, known for hits like Superbad and Pineapple Express, explained his personal motivation: 'The idea of a tool that makes me write less is not appealing to me. Because I like writing.' It's refreshingly honest in an industry increasingly obsessed with efficiency over craft.

Tangles: A completely human-made film

Rogen's commitment to human creativity extends to his latest project. Tangles, an animated film about Alzheimer's disease premiering at Cannes, was made entirely without AI assistance. 'Every frame has a human touch to it,' he confirmed.

The film features an impressive cast including Bryan Cranston, Pamela Adlon, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus tackling the sensitive subject matter. While it doesn't have a wider release date yet, the project represents Rogen's principles in action — proving compelling content doesn't need artificial assistance.

This follows his critically acclaimed work on Apple TV's The Studio, a show that ironically spent its first season examining many of the challenges facing modern Hollywood, including presumably the very AI debate Rogen now finds himself at the centre of.

How the industry is divided on AI

Rogen joins a growing list of filmmakers taking public stances on AI in cinema. While Terminator director James Cameron has expressed openness to experimenting with the technology, Pirates of the Caribbean's Gore Verbinski has similarly criticised its use, creating clear battle lines in Hollywood.

The UAE's own AI initiatives in various sectors highlight how the technology debate extends beyond Hollywood. However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recently announced rule changes limiting AI's presence at the Oscars, suggesting Rogen's position might be gaining institutional support.

With the entertainment industry navigating technological advancement alongside creative integrity, Rogen's blunt assessment cuts through the usual corporate diplomacy. Whether you agree with him or not, at least someone's saying what they actually think.

What this means for writers and filmmakers

According to our editorial assessment, Rogen's criticism highlights legitimate fears about losing human creativity in film and TV. However, the discussion also overlooks how AI could support writers with research and early development rather than fully replacing them.

The reality is more nuanced than either extreme position suggests. While AI-generated scripts might indeed produce the quality Rogen describes, the technology's potential for enhancing human creativity — rather than replacing it — remains largely unexplored in this debate.

For emerging filmmakers and writers, Rogen's message is clear: master the craft first. Whether AI becomes a useful tool or creative crutch likely depends on the skill and intention of whoever's using it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Seth Rogen's stance on AI in filmmaking?

Seth Rogen strongly opposes AI in scriptwriting, calling AI-generated content 'stupid dog s**t' and advising writers who use AI to 'go do something else' instead of writing.

Which other filmmakers have commented on AI?

James Cameron has expressed openness to experimenting with AI, while Gore Verbinski has spoken against it. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has also set rules limiting AI's presence at the Oscars.

What is Tangles and when does it release?

Tangles is Seth Rogen's animated film about Alzheimer's disease, starring Bryan Cranston, Pamela Adlon, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It premieres at Cannes but doesn't have a wider release date yet.

Did Seth Rogen use AI in making Tangles?

No, Rogen confirmed that Tangles was made entirely without AI assistance, stating that 'every frame has a human touch to it.'

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