George Lucas Supports AI: 'It's the Future, Like the Shift from Horses to Cars'

George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars saga and founder of Lucasfilm, expressed a clear support for artificial intelligence during an interview with A Rabbit's Foot (via Kotaku). In short, his opinion is quite different from that of Christopher Nolan but likely very close to that of Martin Scorsese.

The director, always associated with the introduction of new technologies in cinematic language, believes that AI represents the natural evolution of the tools available to filmmakers and that its use is destined to become an integral part of audiovisual production.

The interview, primarily focused on his career and the upcoming opening of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, also touched on the theme of the creative process. Lucas stressed the importance of artistic decisions remaining in the hands of the directors, criticizing the growing tendency of studios to shape films based on opinions gathered through focus groups.

Furthermore, while emphasizing the value of human-driven storytelling, Lucas considers artificial intelligence a tool meant to simplify the work of content creators. "Artificial intelligence means that it will be much easier for us to make films. It's a bit like saying: 'I believe that the horse and carriage are still the best solution. Cars break down, need fuel, cause all sorts of problems, and one day will become tanks that kill people. It's terrible.' There's nothing that can be done. This is progress, this is the future."

The director also discussed the potential uses of AI to combat misinformation and improve the traceability of digital content. According to Lucas, AI-based systems could more effectively identify manipulated content and trace its origin.

"If you want an AI that tells you when something is false and where it comes from, AI can do that. Humans can't; we're not that smart. The important thing is that each person is responsible for what they say and do. If you do something illegal, you should be punished. Whatever you create, you must be recognized as the author. It's just like in real life."

These statements fit into a debate that involves the entire film industry. Lucas is historically considered one of the directors who has pushed the adoption of new technologies on the big screen, contributing to the development of digital visual effects and previously supporting the shift from film to digital cinema.

In the same interview, he recalled how some colleagues continue to prefer traditional film exclusively, a position he does not share. "I have many friends from the Film Foundation who say: 'I will never use digital. Lawrence of Arabia was shot on film.' But what matters is the moving image. It's not technology; it's an idea.