Matthew Libatique, the three-time Oscar-nominated cinematographer behind Iron Man, has weighed in on Hollywood’s AI debate — saying AI “could replace Marvel” VFX, but that the studio will never “use AI actors.”
Libatique made the comments while speaking at Evolution Mallorca, the Spanish island’s leading film festival, where he is this year’s recipient of the Cinematography Icon Award. Stepping outside the airport in Mallorca, he was struck by the autumnal light on the island’s shores — a reminder, perhaps, of what no machine can fully replicate.
Matthew Libatique (Credits: Variety)
AI VFX vs AI actors at Marvel
Libatique’s distinction is a pointed one. Visual effects work is increasingly automatable, and Marvel — still carrying the baggage of its 2023 AI-generated Secret Invasion title sequence backlash — sits at the center of that storm. But the veteran DP drew a firm line: audiences will accept AI in the pixels, never in the performances.
Testing AI with Darren Aronofsky
The cinematographer also revealed he is currently “testing” AI technology alongside “Black Swan” director Darren Aronofsky for their next collaboration — a sign that even craftspeople wary of the technology are finding practical ways to work with it rather than against it.
Libatique’s comments land at a moment when the industry is still negotiating AI’s role: empowering artists rather than replacing them. His verdict — VFX is fair game for automation, actors are not — is likely to become the industry’s unofficial house rule.
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Source: Variety — read the full story there.
