The recent production of George Miller’s film Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga has stirred the ongoing debate over the use of AI in filmmaking. The movie, which has received rave reviews, utilized AI technology to blend the faces of stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Alyla Browne. Browne portrays a younger version of the titular character, while Taylor-Joy takes over the role following a time jump in the movie. This technique was employed to create a seamless transition between the two actresses, a concept Miller envisioned early in the production process.
Anya Taylor-Joy discussed the use of AI on The Kelly Clarkson Show, as reported by Variety. She shared that Miller wanted the audience to experience a smooth transition between the different portrayals of Furiosa, especially since viewers were already adapting to a new Furiosa, played by Charlize Theron in Mad Max: Fury Road.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (Domain Entertainment)
To achieve this effect, Taylor-Joy and Browne’s faces were digitally blended. Taylor-Joy revealed that at the film’s beginning, her appearance is about 35% mixed with Browne’s, increasing to 80% Taylor-Joy by the time the narrative fully transitions to her portrayal. She described the process as involving the craziest things you could ever possibly imagine.
Addressing the broader issue of AI in the industry, Taylor-Joy acknowledged the concerns surrounding its use. She emphasized that AI’s application in filmmaking must be consensual and transparent, noting that the lack of consent is the primary fear. This sentiment was a significant factor behind the industry’s strike in 2023.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is not the first film to use AI. Other productions, such as the horror film Late Night With the Devil and Alex Garland’s Civil War, have also experimented with AI. Promotional materials for these films and other projects, like William Shatner’s brand enhancements, have utilized AI technology.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (Domain Entertainment)
George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, has commented on the inevitability of AI in filmmaking. He compared its rise to the advent of automobiles in the early 1900s, suggesting that resistance to AI is futile and that filmmakers should embrace the technology to stay relevant. He argued that dismissing AI is akin to clinging to outdated methods, much like preferring horses over cars.
Despite the controversy, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga exemplifies AI’s potential in cinema. Upcoming films, such as Robert Zemeckis’ Here, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, will continue to explore AI’s capabilities, demonstrating that the technology is becoming an integral part of modern filmmaking.
