Simon Cellan Jones on Why AI Can’t Replace Human Creativity in Action Movies
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, Hollywood faces a pivotal question: Can AI replicate the magic of human-made action films? Family Plan 2 director Simon Cellan Jones has a blunt answer: “Hell no.”
In an exclusive interview, the veteran filmmaker behind The Family Plan (2023) and Boardwalk Empire didn’t hold back. “I f—ing hate AI,” Jones declared. “Action movies thrive on chaos, emotion, and instinct—things a machine can’t understand. You can’t code adrenaline.”
Why AI Falls Short in Action Cinema
Jones, known for his high-octane blockbusters, argues AI-generated films lack the soul of traditional filmmaking. “When you see Tom Cruise hanging off a plane or Keanu Reeves in John Wick, you’re witnessing years of training and raw human effort,” he says. “AI can mimic it, but it’ll always feel hollow.”
Recent AI experiments in film—like Netflix’s Next Stop Paris—have been criticized for stiff performances and unnatural dialogue. Jones dismisses the idea of AI-directed action: “Could a computer choreograph Mad Max: Fury Road? That film was built on sweat, gasoline, and madness. You can’t fake that with algorithms.”
3 Reasons AI Can’t Match Human-Made Action
Jones breaks down why AI fails to deliver real thrills:
- Imperfection Creates Authenticity – “Audiences feel Jackie Chan’s stunts because they’re real. AI renders ‘flawless’ fights, but without risk, they’re boring.”
- Emotional Instinct – “Directors like Spielberg feel when to cut a scene for impact. AI analyzes data but can’t replicate gut decisions.”
- Collaborative Chaos – “Great filmmaking is messy. AI follows orders; it doesn’t argue or improvise like humans do.”
Hollywood’s AI Debate: Artistry vs. Efficiency
The rise of AI tools—deepfake de-aging, digital actors, and automated scripts—has sparked backlash. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike underscored fears of human creativity being replaced.
Jones stands with artists: “AI might cut costs, but it kills artistry. Fans know Mission: Impossible works because of real stakes.”
The Future: AI as a Tool, Not a Director
While Jones acknowledges AI’s utility for VFX or background rendering, he draws a hard line: “Never let it direct or write. And don’t replace stunt teams with code.”
As Family Plan 2 prepares for production, Jones promises practical effects and “real, human-made chaos.” “If you want perfect, watch a screensaver. If you want thrills, give me a camera and a fearless crew.”
The battle between human creativity and AI efficiency continues, but Jones is fighting to keep action cinema unapologetically human.
Do you think AI could ever top human-directed action movies? Share your thoughts below!
— Reported by NextMinuteNews
