Ben Affleck Says He Used AI On His New Netflix Movie "For Lots Of Things" — Then Refused To Say What

Ben Affleck just confirmed AI was used on his new Netflix thriller Animals — and when asked WHERE, he basically pulled a magician's "never reveal the trick." We have questions.

Cue the group chats.

The Magician Won't Reveal The Bunny

Speaking at a Bloomberg Screentime Q&A, Affleck said he used AI "for lots of things" in the film he co-wrote, directed and stars in, Deadline reports.

But he's hesitant to say what those things are. His reasoning? Movies are all about "the illusion of reality," and he compared naming them to a magician announcing there's a second bunny under the hat before the show starts.

He did give a hint: it was "mostly in post-production," and it let the team work faster and do things they otherwise couldn't. Beyond that? Our lips are sealed. (His, anyway.)

"It's A Very Human Movie"

Affleck argues Animals is actually a great example of AI done right, because it's not set in space and has no big visual-effects spectacle. It stars him as an LA mayoral candidate whose son is kidnapped, with Kerry Washington as his wife, who have just hours to find the ransom money.

At the Thursday premiere, he went deeper with The Hollywood Reporter, laying out his rules:

• He won't use AI trained on copyrighted work, or on the work of peers he admires.
• His team built a proprietary dataset so it wouldn't be "extractive."
• It's "not about making fake people or replacing anybody, ever."

He also said he has zero interest in movies "where you just type things and things come out."

Wait, Doesn't He Own An AI Company?

Sort of, yes. Per Deadline, Netflix bought Affleck's AI firm InterPositive in March for a reported $587 million. He founded it quietly in 2022 and served as CEO before moving to a senior advisor role.

So this isn't a casual experiment. It's a man showing off his own tech in action on a Netflix release.

Affleck insists AI is "deeply and fundamentally limited" and "not magic," and says Hollywood's real problems are things like theatrical attendance, labor stoppages and production tax rebates. THR notes he also pointed to Artists Equity, his company with Matt Damon, where "everybody is compensated in a very clear way."

The Internet Had THOUGHTS

Reaction under the Deadline story was, let's say, mixed. One commenter appreciated his honesty but said they'll "choose not to watch." Another shot back that if you're not using AI, "you're not employed." We're calling it a split decision.

Also, Ben For Mayor?

In a lighter moment at the premiere, Variety reports the cast keeps urging him to run for office. "Maybe they hate me," Affleck joked. Washington said they keep telling him to, "but he doesn't want to," and co-star Luis Gerardo Méndez said he'd "definitely vote" for him.

Affleck passed, saying he'd "rather make movies about it."

The Tea ☕

• Affleck says he used AI "for lots of things" on Animals, mostly in post-production, but won't say what.
• He says it was trained on a proprietary dataset, with no copyrighted work and no replacing actors.
• Animals hits select theaters and Netflix on Oct. 9.

Sources: Deadline | The Hollywood Reporter | Variety

So, are you okay with filmmakers using AI if they're upfront (ish) about it, or does the secrecy make it a no for you? Will you be watching Animals? Sound off below.