‘Harry Potter’ producer David Barron backs AI-generated adaptation of ‘The Call of the Wild’

David Barron, the British producer behind six films of the “Harry Potter” saga, is entering the world of generative artificial intelligence: he has agreed to produce an AI-generated adaptation of Jack London’s 1903 novel “The Call of the Wild”, according to an exclusive report by Deadline.

The film is written and directed by Simon Rumley, known for “Red White & Blue” and “Crushed”, and will be generated at the AI studio “nmatic”, with the support of CGI and traditional visual effects for the more complex scenes. Barron produces alongside Mark Sandell and Nick Price. No release date or distributor has been announced.

Commenting on the decision, Barron said: “London’s canvas is so epic, the geography of Alaska so harsh, the dog and wolf fights so real, that a faithful cinematic adaptation has so far been logistically and financially impossible. But technology has finally caught up with London’s vision, and we believe the time is now to do it justice.”

The novelty of this version lies in its perspective: the story will be told entirely from the subjective point of view of Buck, the St. Bernard mix torn from a comfortable life in California and thrown into the midst of the Klondike Gold Rush — unlike previous adaptations, which centered on the human characters.

The novel has been adapted for the big screen many times, most recently in 2020 with Harrison Ford, which grossed about $111 million worldwide. The announcement comes at a time when Hollywood remains divided over generative AI tools: the new SAG-AFTRA contract with the studios, reached in May, requires informed consent and fair payment for any digital replica of a performer, although the union says members continue to feel very strong anxiety about AI as the tools improve.