Although “Frankenstein” is a fictional Gothic novel, director Guillermo del Toro took some real-world inspiration from Silicon Valley for his version.
During an interview on NPR’s “Fresh Air” podcast, del Toro said he wanted the film’s titular character — Victor Frankenstein — to mirror tech bros. Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein,” published in 1818, tells the story of a scientist who assembles a creature from corpses and brings it to life.
“I did want to have the arrogance of Victor be similar in some ways to the tech bros,” del Toro said. “He’s kind of blind, creating something without considering the consequences, you know? And I think we have to take a pause and consider where we’re going.”
The tech industry has gone all in on AI, which has rapidly advanced over the last several years. Startups like OpenAI helped make the tech more accessible with models like ChatGPT, forcing legacy companies like Google and Microsoft to play catch-up. In April, UN Trade and Development estimated that the AI market will hit $4.8 trillion by 2033.
Despite the tech industry’s excitement about AI, some critics have expressed concern over its impact on employment, the environment, human connection, and privacy, among other things. Some people, including Meta Chief AI Scientist Yann LeCun, have said the technology needs clear safety guardrails as it’s scaled.
During the interview, del Toro railed against AI. He said he’s not interested in incorporating the tech into his work.
“AI, particularly generative AI, I am not interested, nor will I ever be interested,” del Toro said. “I’m 61, and I hope to be able to remain uninterested in using it at all until I croak. I really don’t. The other day, somebody wrote me an email, ‘What is your stance on AI?’ And my answer was very short. I said, ‘I’d rather die.'”
A representative for del Toro told Business Insider that he had no further comment.
“Frankenstein” debuted in select theatres on October 17. The film will make its Netflix premiere on November 7.
