Kevin O'Leary suggests using AI for extras in Marty Supreme and sparks controversy in Hollywood
Kevin O'Leary, known for his participation in Shark Tank and actor in the upcoming film Marty Supreme, has generated controversy in Hollywood by suggesting that the production could have saved "millions of dollars" by using AI-generated extras instead of human actors. His proposal has met with fierce opposition from the SAG-AFTRA actors' union. 🎬
O'Leary's economic argument for AI in film productions
During a recent interview, Kevin O'Leary detailed how many scenes in Marty Supreme featured up to 150 extras who had to remain on set for 18 consecutive hours, fully dressed and in motion, even if not always visible on camera. He argued that these characters, being primarily background visual elements, represented an unnecessary cost.
Key points of his argument:- Massive scenes with 150 extras represent significant logistical and payroll costs
- Human extras require catering, transportation, costumes, and specific working conditions
- Background characters could be replaced by visually convincing "AI agents"
- Mention of Tilly Norwell, an AI-generated "actress," as an example of technological potential
- Argument that the technology would allow greater creative control over background elements
- Suggestion that the savings could be redirected to other aspects of the production
When you have 150 people sitting there, awake for 18 hours, fully dressed, moving, and they're not even on camera, that costs millions of dollars that could have been saved with AI.
SAG-AFTRA's response and defense of human acting work
The actors' union SAG-AFTRA has expressed its firm opposition to O'Leary's proposal, arguing that creativity in cinema must remain human and warning about the dangers of devaluing interpretive art through the use of AI trained on real acting work without consent.
Main arguments from SAG-AFTRA:- AI threatens the livelihood of thousands of actors and extras who depend on these jobs
- Human creativity and spontaneity bring unique value to productions
- Concern over AI training with real actors' performances without compensation
- Defense of intellectual property rights over acting performances
- Warning about the homogenization of art if human diversity is eliminated
- Pointing out that technology should complement, not replace, human talent
Context of Marty Supreme and potential impact
Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, is a sports drama comedy set in the 1950s starring Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser, a ping pong player seeking greatness. The film represents exactly the type of production where this debate is most relevant. 🏓
Key production details:- Direction by Josh Safdie, known for his distinctive visual style and attention to period detail
- Timothée Chalamet as the lead in the role of Marty Mauser
- Stellar cast including Gwyneth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, and Kevin O'Leary
- 1950s setting requiring meticulous historical recreation
- Massive scenes recreating sports events of the era
- Release scheduled for December 25, 2025, in theaters
The broader debate: technology versus tradition in Hollywood
The controversy generated by O'Leary's statements reflects a growing tension in the film industry between technological adoption and the preservation of traditional practices. This debate intensifies as AI advances rapidly.
Industry debate dimensions:- Balance between economic efficiency and preservation of traditional jobs
- Definition of what constitutes "artistic value" in the digital era
- Necessary regulation to protect creative workers' rights
- Differential impact: lead actors versus extras and background workers
- AI potential for specific tasks versus complete replacement
- Need to update contracts and labor agreements for the digital era
Conclusion: a turning point for the industry
Kevin O'Leary's statements on the use of AI for extras in Marty Supreme have touched a sensitive nerve in an industry struggling to adapt to disruptive technological advances. While producers seek economic efficiencies, actors defend the unique value of human performance. This debate will likely intensify as Hollywood navigates the complex balance between innovation and preservation of its artistic essence. 💥