Ben Affleck reveals he used artificial intelligence “for many things” in the new film “Animals” — Netflix brings it on October 9

Ben Affleck does not shy away from Hollywood’s hottest debate. In an interview with Bloomberg journalist Lucas Shaw, as ComingSoon.net reports, the actor and director revealed that artificial intelligence was used extensively in the production of his new political thriller “Animals”.

“I used [AI] for a lot of things in that movie,” Affleck said. “I’m a little hesitant to tell you what they are — or even to talk about it — because in our business we’re trying to foster the illusion of reality, right?” He compared the situation to a magic show where the magician reveals the trick before it begins: “It kind of ruins it, doesn’t it? But yes, we used it, and I actually thought it was a good example [of the ethical use of AI], because it’s a very human film.”

Affleck has previously discussed using AI as a post-production tool to improve the technical side and visual effects. In 2022 he founded InterPositive, a company that develops AI tools for filmmakers — and Netflix bought the company earlier this year for around $600 million, with a plan to give the technology to the platform’s directors and creative partners.

Despite the advanced technological tools, “Animals” rests on a star cast: Affleck plays the lead role alongside Kerry Washington, while the film also stars Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, Ray Fisher, Matt Gerald, Jacob Estrada, Luis Gerardo Méndez and Steven Yeun. The official synopsis says: “When their son is kidnapped, a candidate for mayor of Los Angeles and his wife struggle to raise the ransom, making decisions that could destroy their world.” “Animals” arrives in selected cinemas and globally on Netflix on 9 October 2026.