The Digester

Spielberg Says He Has Not Used AI in Films and Opposes It Replacing Creatives

Mar 13th 2026

At SXSW the director of Disclosure Day said AI has not been used in his work, discussed aliens and social media, and signaled no end to his filmmaking with a Western in development.

  • Spielberg told SXSW he has never used artificial intelligence to make a film but did not rule out using it in the future.
  • He said he supports AI in many disciplines but opposes AI replacing creative individuals.
  • He noted his writers rooms are fully staffed with humans and there is no empty chair with a laptop for an AI.
  • Spielberg said he avoids social media, tried Instagram for two weeks, and felt it consumed his time.
  • His upcoming film Disclosure Day explores aliens, and he said he has a strong suspicion we are not alone but has had no encounters.
  • He has no plans to retire and mentioned a Western project in development that he wants to shoot in Texas.