Gal Gadot on AI in Cinema: 'Work With It or Be Out of the Game'

Gal Gadot has spoken candidly about the use of artificial intelligence in her upcoming film Bitcoin, acknowledging both her fears and the industry's shifting landscape. Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the actress said she is "afraid of AI" but believes the technology is now unavoidable.

"The train has left the station," Gadot said. "You're going to work with it or be out of the game completely." She described her approach as one of cautious engagement, choosing to learn about the technology rather than ignore it.

The film, directed by Doug Liman and co-starring Casey Affleck, Pete Davidson, and Isla Fisher, has drawn attention for its use of AI to generate sets and lighting. Actors reportedly performed in a largely barebones space, with the technology filling in the production design. Producer Ryan Kavanaugh has claimed the $70 million production saved over $200 million through this method.

Gadot emphasized that the AI application was limited to the visual environment. "The AI component in this movie is for sets and the lighting," she clarified, noting that a broad crew was still involved.

Her primary concern was protecting her own performance. Gadot revealed that her lawyers spent six months negotiating her contract to ensure AI would not alter her acting. "This was the longest contract I have ever worked on," she said. "I did not want AI to have anything to do with my performance." The protections were so comprehensive that SAG representatives reportedly contacted her legal team for guidance on updating contracts for other actors.

Describing the shoot, Gadot compared it to working in theatre, calling it "a pure art form of creating a movie." Without conventional lighting setups, the cast filmed continuously for long stretches. "We would film on and on and on for 10 hours. It was amazing," she said, though she admitted she has not yet seen any footage from the film.

During the podcast, Gadot also addressed her future as Wonder Woman, a role she first played in 2016. Citing family commitments with four children, she expressed uncertainty about returning. "To check out from all of them for such a long period of time, it doesn't work for my life anymore at this point," she said.

She reflected on the character's legacy and the recent changes at DC Studios, expressing gratitude for her time in the role. "It was never mine. I was always just a vessel," she said. "I can only wish whoever is next comes pure to this journey."