Ben Affleck says predictions that AI will wipe out jobs—or kill us all—are just propaganda: ‘In fact, more people technically are being employed’

Ben Affleck, the renowned actor and screenwriter, believes that the notion AI will wipe out jobs or even the world is merely propaganda. In his view, once people start using the technology, they will realize it can be a tool for good. Affleck, known for films like Good Will Hunting, is a vocal supporter of AI in the industry. He founded InterPositive, an AI-focused filmmaking startup, in 2022; it was later acquired by Netflix for $587 million.

However, when discussing the practical applications of AI in his new movie Animals, Affleck expressed hesitance in revealing specific details. He fears that disclosing too much could undermine the illusion of reality sought in filmmaking. Affleck's concerns extend to the impact of AI on younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Gen Alpha, but he is more worried about Hollywood's potential over-reliance on AI. He worries about the rise in grades given in colleges and learned helplessness among students.

Affleck sees a growing trend in Hollywood where AI is being used to augment, rather than replace, workers. His observations come amid a decline in employment within the motion picture and video production industry, which dropped by 21% between 2016 and 2026. Other Hollywood personalities, including James Cameron, Natasha Lyonne, and Matthew McConaughey, also acknowledge the importance of AI in filmmaking and argue for the technology's responsible integration.