Vince Gilligan, the mastermind behind television classics Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, has ignited fresh debate in the entertainment world with his uncompromising criticism of artificial intelligence. The celebrated creator recently revealed the powerful meaning behind a simple message displayed in his new Apple TV+ series Pluribus: "This show was made by humans."
Gilligan's Blunt Criticism of AI Technology
In a candid interview with Variety, Gilligan didn't mince words when discussing his views on artificial intelligence. "I hate AI," he stated bluntly, delivering one of the most direct condemnations from a major Hollywood figure. The creator elaborated on his position by describing AI as "the world's most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine."
Gilligan went further in his criticism, suggesting that the push for AI in creative industries is primarily driven by financial motives. He characterized the technology as essentially "a bunch of centibillionaires trying to become trillionaires by selling vapor." This strong stance is particularly notable given that Apple, the platform hosting his new series, has made significant investments in artificial intelligence development.
Hollywood's Growing AI Debate Intensifies
Gilligan's comments arrive during an ongoing and heated discussion within the entertainment industry about the expanding role of artificial intelligence. The debate has gained urgency as AI technologies increasingly infiltrate various aspects of filmmaking and television production.
The concerns within creative circles are widespread and multifaceted:
- AI-generated scripts and writing assistance
- Digital actors and performance replication
- Fully AI-animated projects and visual effects
- Potential displacement of human artists and technicians
These developments have raised fundamental questions about artistic authenticity and the future of human creativity in the entertainment industry. Many professionals worry that the unique human touch that defines compelling storytelling could be diminished by over-reliance on artificial intelligence.
Pluribus: A Testament to Human Creativity
Gilligan's new series Pluribus serves as a powerful demonstration of his commitment to human-driven storytelling. The show, starring Rhea Seehorn, has already earned critical acclaim following its recent premiere. Pluribus debuted with a perfect 100% "Certified Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, receiving particular praise for its sharp writing and emotional depth.
The creator emphasized that these qualities represent exactly what artificial intelligence cannot replicate. To illustrate his point humorously, Gilligan remarked, "My toaster oven isn't suddenly Thomas Keller because it heats up a delicious pizza for me." This analogy underscores his belief that genuine creativity requires human consciousness and experience.
Despite his firm stance against current AI applications, Gilligan did acknowledge a theoretical future scenario. He suggested that if machines ever developed true consciousness and sentience, humanity would face new ethical questions about using them for creative labor. However, for the present moment, he remains adamant that both Pluribus and all his future projects will continue to be "made by humans."
Gilligan's bold position adds a significant voice to the ongoing conversation about technology's role in creative arts. As one of television's most respected creators, his defense of human storytelling carries considerable weight in an industry increasingly grappling with technological transformation.
