Science fiction creators keep their distance from artificial intelligence

Speaking at SXSW London, Patrice Vermette opposed the inclusion of GenAI in their work. Guillermo del Toro, Margaret Atwood, and other names also...

As the debate about artificial intelligence grows in the world of science fiction, many creative figures insist on preserving the role of human labor in production. From digital art to big-budget films, concerns that generative artificial intelligence may weaken creativity are coming to the forefront.

Speaking at a session held on Tuesday at SXSW London, Oscar-winning production designer Patrice Vermette clearly stated that he is against the inclusion of GenAI in his own work. At the event addressing the relationship between science, world-building, and fictional narratives, he objected to the pressure of this technology on the creative process.

Emphasis on human creativity in science fiction

Science fiction has long been seen as a narrative field that teaches lessons about morality, humanity, and technology. In recent years, this debate has directly confronted the leading figures of the genre with the future of their own professions.

Vermette is known for his work on the Dune films. The approach he expressed at the same session highlighted the idea that artificial intelligence in science fiction production should be seen not as a tool but rather as a subject to be debated.

Reactions from Guillermo del Toro, Margaret Atwood, and others

Vermette is not the only figure cautious about artificial intelligence. Guillermo del Toro has openly expressed his opposition to the use of GenAI in film and creative work before. Margaret Atwood evaluated artificial intelligence as an inadequate tool for poetry and fiction.

Some figures argue that GenAI is now a part of life. The approach of names like actress Demi Moore and director Martin Scorsese in this direction sparked debate. On the other hand, Nobel laureate writer Olga Tokarczuk stating that she uses artificial intelligence in the creative process led to harsh criticism from writers worldwide.

Success examples attributed to human production

The text also emphasizes that GenAI does not play a decisive role in advancing science fiction. It is noted that innovations highlighted in productions such as Frankenstein, Dune: Part One, and Dune: Part Two stem from human creativity, not artificial intelligence.

Similarly, the global box office exceeding 670 million dollars for the Project Hail Mary film, whose two directors are known to be skeptical of GenAI, is cited as an example of the power of human labor-based production. The film is mentioned among the major successes in the post-COVID era that are not tied to the superhero genre.

The science fiction archive argues that artificial intelligence is not needed

The article reminds that science fiction has a creative accumulation spanning decades and even centuries. Frank Herbert's Dune novel, Ursula K. Le Guin's The Left Hand of Darkness work, and productions signed by George Lucas are listed among examples showing that the genre can build new worlds without the need for technological tools.

It is argued that the extensive archive consisting of film, literature, video games, and similar fields proves that creators do not need artificial intelligence to produce. According to the text, the main expectation is originality; artificial intelligence, by its nature, cannot fully provide this.

Within this framework, figures like Vermette favor not completely excluding artificial intelligence from the future of science fiction but rather including it as a subject of the narrative. Thus, technology is positioned as an element of the story rather than the creator.