---
title: "Steven Spielberg Says He's 'Never Used AI' in Any of His Films"
date: 2026-03-13
source: TechCrunch
source_url: https://techcrunch.com/2026/03/13/steven-spielberg-says-hes-never-used-ai-in-any-of-his-films/
tags: [ai-agents, sxsw-2026, keynote, film, ai-ethics]
summary: Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg declared at SXSW 2026 that he has never used AI in his films and opposes AI replacing creative individuals.
---

# Steven Spielberg Says He's 'Never Used AI' in Any of His Films

Legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg took a clear stance against AI in creative work during a packed appearance at SXSW 2026 in Austin on Friday. When asked about AI's utility in filmmaking, Spielberg told the audience, "I've never used AI on any of my films yet," drawing erupting cheers and applause.

The director — known for blockbusters like "Jaws," "E.T.," "Raiders of the Lost Ark," and ironically "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" — clarified he isn't anti-technology broadly. He said he was for AI "in many disciplines," but drew the line at creative work. In his writers' rooms, even for TV projects, "there's not an empty chair with a laptop in front of it," he said.

"I am not for AI if it replaces a creative individual," Spielberg stated.

His comments come amid a wave of AI adoption in Hollywood. Amazon is testing AI tools for film and TV production, and Netflix recently acquired Ben Affleck's AI filmmaking company for a reported $600 million. AI startups are also pitching themselves to resource-constrained indie filmmakers as a way to produce content faster and cheaper.

Spielberg's appearance at SXSW was one of the most anticipated events at the festival, also covering his upcoming alien invasion thriller "Disclosure Day" and his views on extraterrestrial life.

## Key Takeaways

- Spielberg has never used AI in any of his films and opposes AI replacing creative individuals
- He supports AI "in many disciplines" but draws the line at creative work
- His stance contrasts with growing AI adoption in Hollywood (Netflix's $600M acquisition, Amazon's AI tools)
- The comments received enthusiastic audience support at SXSW 2026