AI news story

George Lucas likens AI sceptics to luddites clinging to horses and carts

Star Wars director calls AI technology ‘the future’ of film-making and says ‘there’s nothing you can do about it’ The Star…

  • AI
  • Source: The Guardian AI
  • Published: 2026-07-15

Editor's take

Filmmaker George Lucas characterized skepticism towards artificial intelligence in filmmaking as resistance to inevitable progress, comparing it to the Luddite movement.

This perspective from a prominent figure in visual effects signals a potential shift in how Hollywood embraces AI, moving beyond concerns about job displacement toward exploring its creative potential. It highlights a growing schism between those who view AI as a tool for innovation and those concerned about its disruptive impact on creative professions, a debate mirroring earlier technological transitions in the industry.

The key question moving forward is how Lucas's vision translates into practical applications and studio adoption. Observing whether studios like Disney, where Lucas has a historical connection, begin integrating AI tools into their production pipelines for effects or scripting, and how this might impact the creative teams previously responsible for such tasks, will be crucial.