Netflix’s AI Experiment in ‘The Eternaut’
Netflix has reportedly confirmed the use of AI-generated visuals in its sci-fi series, ‘The Eternaut,’ specifically for a scene depicting a building collapse. This revelation, made during the company’s Q2 2025 earnings call, marks a significant step in the adoption of AI within large-scale film and television production.
The AI-Generated Scene
According to reports, the scene in question involves a building in Buenos Aires collapsing after being struck by a train. Instead of relying on traditional VFX methods, Netflix opted to generate the entire sequence using AI. This decision, as claimed by Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, resulted in a significantly faster turnaround time and reduced production costs.
Cost and Time Savings
Sarandos emphasized the efficiency gains, stating that the AI-generated VFX sequence was completed “10 times faster” than it would have been with conventional VFX tools. He further noted that the cost of creating the scene using traditional methods would have been prohibitive given the show’s budget.
Netflix’s Perspective on AI
Netflix views AI not merely as a cost-cutting tool, but as a means to enhance the creative process. Sarandos expressed the company’s belief that AI can help creators “make films and series better, not just cheaper.” This suggests a broader strategic vision for integrating AI into various aspects of content creation.
The Broader Trend of AI in Filmmaking
Netflix is not alone in exploring the potential of AI in filmmaking. Other production companies have also experimented with AI to address various challenges, from improving dialogue to generating architectural designs. These early applications suggest a growing acceptance and integration of AI within the film industry.
Examples of AI Use in Film
- Dialogue Enhancement: The period drama ‘The Brutalist’ utilized AI to refine the actors’ Hungarian dialogue.
- Architectural Design: AI was employed in ‘The Brutalist’ to bring certain architectural visions to life.
- Visual Effects: As demonstrated by ‘The Eternaut,’ AI can be used to generate complex visual effects sequences.
Potential Benefits and Concerns
The increasing use of AI in filmmaking presents both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, AI can potentially reduce production costs, accelerate workflows, and unlock new creative possibilities. On the other hand, there are concerns about job displacement, artistic integrity, and the potential for misuse.
Concerns:
- Job Displacement: The automation of certain tasks could lead to job losses for VFX artists and other film professionals.
- Artistic Integrity: Over-reliance on AI could compromise the artistic vision of filmmakers.
- Misuse: AI could be used to create deepfakes or other forms of manipulated content.
Benefits:
- Reduced Costs: AI can automate time-consuming and expensive tasks, lowering overall production costs.
- Faster Workflows: AI can accelerate workflows, allowing filmmakers to complete projects more quickly.
- New Creative Possibilities: AI can unlock new creative possibilities by enabling filmmakers to create visuals and effects that would be impossible or impractical with traditional methods.
| Feature | Traditional VFX | AI-Generated VFX |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | High | Lower |
| Time | Longer | Shorter |
| Expertise | Requires specialized artists | Requires AI specialists and artists |
| Flexibility | Limited by budget and time | More flexible, allows for iterations |
Conclusion
Netflix’s use of AI in ‘The Eternaut’ represents a significant milestone in the evolution of filmmaking. While concerns remain about the potential implications of AI, the technology’s ability to reduce costs, accelerate workflows, and unlock new creative possibilities makes it an increasingly attractive option for production companies. As AI technology continues to evolve, its role in the film industry is likely to expand further, transforming the way movies and television shows are made.
