Ben Affleck confirmed on Wednesday that he used artificial intelligence “for lots of things” in his upcoming Netflix thriller Animals, though he declined to specify which parts of the film incorporated the technology. Speaking at Bloomberg’s 2026 Screentime event in conversation with reporter Lucas Shaw, Affleck defended his use of AI as an ethical tool for a human-driven story.
Affleck Defends AI Use in Netflix Thriller Animals
Affleck directs Animals, which also features Gillian Anderson, Steven Yuen, and Kerry Washington, ahead of its October 9 premiere on Netflix. Explaining his silence on the exact applications of AI in the film, Affleck compared revealing the mechanics to a magician exposing a trick before a show. He argued that filmmakers try to foster an illusion of reality, and knowing the underlying technology beforehand ruins the experience for the audience. Despite keeping those details private, Affleck maintained that his production serves as a good example of how to use AI ethically within a deeply human movie.
Deep Financial Ties to Streaming AI
Affleck brings a unique perspective to the debate, having sold his AI company InterPositive to Netflix for nearly $600 million. That acquisition places him far ahead of the average Hollywood heavyweight in terms of both financial investment and technological literacy. Addressing widespread industry anxiety, Affleck claimed that panic subsides once filmmakers spend time with AI tools and gain a sense of control. He dismissed fears of an “abstract, terrifying alien” taking over the industry, describing the technology instead as a routine form of computing and a natural progression in a long line of cinematic technical improvements. He also stated his belief that AI will never advance to the point where a user can simply type a prompt and generate a movie that people want to see.
Debunking the Viral Matt Damon Streaming Controversy
During the same appearance, Affleck addressed a viral controversy surrounding comments made by Matt Damon on The Joe Rogan Experience. Damon previously discussed standard action movie structures and remarked that Netflix executives sometimes ask for a major set piece in the first five minutes and multiple plot reiterations to keep distracted, phone-scrolling viewers engaged. That quote sparked online debate over alleged studio interference. Affleck pushed back against the interpretation, explaining that he and Damon went on Rogan’s podcast specifically to clarify that their actual experience with the streaming giant was contrary to the viral pull quote. Affleck argued that no director would willingly go on a popular podcast to complain about being forced to include bad plot recaps in their own movie. He added that while he has encountered plenty of idiotic studio notes throughout his career, those frustrating executive suggestions long predate Netflix.
Questions About Filmmaking Technology and Streaming Notes
Did Ben Affleck reveal how AI was used in Animals?
No. Affleck stated that he used AI for various tasks in the movie but deliberately withheld specifics to preserve the illusion of reality for viewers.
When does Animals premiere on Netflix?
The thriller premieres on October 9.
What did Matt Damon actually say about Netflix notes?
Damon discussed general trends in action movie pacing on a podcast, noting that streaming platforms sometimes prefer quick engagement hooks and plot reminders for distracted audiences, which triggered a viral misunderstanding that Affleck later disputed.
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