Before watching a film, many viewers now check if it uses artificial intelligence, rather than researching the cast or director. Data from the film production platform Filmustage, analyzed via Google Trends, reveals a 345% surge in searches for "movies with no AI" in September. In contrast, searches for "movies made with AI" increased by 112% during the same period.
According to Kidscreen, a Luminate survey conducted in the U.S. in May and from 11-12/2025 indicated that nearly 70% of young audiences are willing to stop watching a video if they detect AI-generated content. Additionally, more than 7 out of 10 respondents stated they would not pay to watch films using AI-generated visuals. Stiff expressions, uninspired scripts, and discomfort with "AI slop" – the phenomenon of digital platforms being inundated with mass-produced automated content – are the biggest deterrents. Over three-quarters of those surveyed are ready to spend more money on human-made works, from scripting and setting to acting.
Excerpt from the "Hell Grind" trailer, entirely AI-produced. *Video: Higgsfield AI*
A major limitation of AI films is the algorithm's inability to maintain character soul and emotion. According to TechRadar, artificial intelligence can generate spectacular visual effects in seconds, such as explosions, collapsing structures, or non-physical camera angles, but it struggles to maintain emotional consistency throughout a 90 to 120-minute feature film.
The faces of virtual actors often fall into the "uncanny valley" effect – a phenomenon where viewers feel a sense of unease or revulsion when encountering a near-human likeness with lifeless expressions and awkward movements. When a work attempts to simulate real life using computer algorithms, its artificiality becomes apparent, quickly leading to audience fatigue.
Beyond visual barriers, the rejection stems from the digital generation's consumer psychology. In an era of algorithmic content saturation, Gen Z tends to value works based on originality and genuine human effort. A film relying on prompts is seen as undermining artistic value, prompting them to support works that celebrate real human labor, featuring human-written scripts, authentic actor performances, and real sets.
Audience reactions have found agreement among major Hollywood figures. Director Christopher Nolan stated in The Telegraph that young people are "completely rejecting AI." He believes the generation that grew up with the internet possesses a natural filter highly sensitive to simulated content. Filmmakers and theaters have been mistaken in assuming that young people lack patience for long films or are easily captivated by digital effects. In reality, the core value that retains them remains genuine human emotion.
Sharing this perspective, in late September at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts' Life in Pictures event, actor Tom Cruise suggested that AI's development is inevitable, but simulation technology cannot replace human experiences. Director James Cameron once likened AI films to "art and life experiences thrown into a blender," while Tom Hanks expressed doubt about viewers' ability to be moved by films with technological intervention.
This wave of rejection stands in stark contrast to the financial gamble Hollywood and Silicon Valley are pursuing to optimize production costs. At the Cannes Film Festival 2026, startup Higgsfield AI garnered attention by completing the 95-minute action film Hell Grind in just three weeks. With a team of 15 people and a budget of 500,000 USD, mostly allocated to computing costs, the project boosted the company's valuation to 5.4 billion USD.
Similarly, startup Runway achieved a valuation of 5.3 billion USD and sold shares to Lionsgate to integrate generative technology into major franchises such as The Hunger Games and John Wick. Luma received a 900 million USD investment from Nvidia and AMD. According to estimates from the consulting firm McKinsey, AI could impact 20% of total film and television content production spending by 2030.
Hollywood's first AI actor, Tilly Norwood, demonstrates acting ability. *Video: Particle 6*
In response to market reactions, technology developers are tempering expectations about replacing humans. Mahi De Silva, co-founder of Higgsfield AI, acknowledged in Fortune that future works will still require real directors, screenwriters, and actors, as filmmaking is inherently an artistic creation. Speaking with TechRadar, Kevin Chong, chief operating officer of Utopai Studios, stated that the company does not view AI films as a separate genre but rather sees artificial intelligence as a supporting tool, similar to visual effects (VFX).
Ultimately, machines cannot replace humans, as acting demands profound emotional depth and real-life experience. The instinctive emotions of actors, coupled with the personal creative decisions of filmmakers, are what truly imbue a work with soul.
Cat Tien (according to Fortune, TechRadar, Kidscreen)
