Gal Gadot Defends AI-Heavy Film Work: 'You're Going to Work With It or Be Out of the Game'

AI and Acting: A New Era of Film Production

Gal Gadot recently spoke on the "Happy Sad Confused" podcast about her upcoming film, a Bitcoin-themed action thriller directed by Doug Liman. What sets this production apart isn't just its subject matter — it's the groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence in its filmmaking process.

"This was the longest contract I have ever worked on," Gadot said, referring to the extensive legal protections required for her role. "It was six months from my lawyers to go through every scenario we could think about as far as the AI component of it."

The production, which also stars Casey Affleck and Pete Davidson, was shot entirely in a bare-bones warehouse environment — a setup that required all crew members to rely heavily on AI for set design and lighting. This approach saved an estimated $200 million compared to traditional production methods, according to the film's producer, Ryan Kavanaugh.

But Gadot's concerns went beyond budgetary savings. As an actor, she was deeply invested in ensuring that her performance wasn't altered or compromised by AI systems — a challenge that required collaboration with SAG-AFTRA to update their contracts for future productions.

Defending Her Artistic Integrity

Gadot emphasized how vital it was for her to maintain control over her artistic contribution:

• She and her team worked with legal experts to create a framework that protected the actors' performances
• SAG called her lawyers to seek guidance on how to update their contract language
• Despite her reservations about AI, she chose to engage with it rather than avoid it entirely

"I am afraid of AI, but I am going to be afraid and look away? No. I am afraid but I am playing with it and learning it and trying to educate myself," Gadot explained. "The train has left the station. You're going to work with it or be out of the game completely." This sentiment reflects her broader view on adapting to change in Hollywood.

The Wonder Woman Legacy: What's Next?

Gadot also shared her thoughts on the future of her iconic character, Wonder Woman. After starring in three DC films — including a standalone sequel and a rebooted trilogy under James Gunn and Peter Safran — she revealed that her involvement in the franchise would likely be limited:

"For me to go to do another Wonder Woman, I am not sure I would at this point in my life with four children and different schools and all of that. 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."

While she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to portray the beloved character, Gadot recognized the realities of balancing fame with family life. Her decision highlights an important shift in how celebrities navigate career demands while staying grounded.

A Personal and Professional Turning Point

Working on a movie that relied so heavily on AI was unlike anything Gadot had experienced before. The experience reminded her of her theater days — where actors are often the sole focus on set, with minimal technical support:

"It felt like a pure art form of creating a movie," she said. "I haven't seen a single shot. As an actress, I wait so much. There's the legendary quote: 'You are being paid to wait as an actor.' Here we would film nonstop because we didn't have to wait for lighting. We would film on and on and on for 10 hours. It was amazing… as actors you're always hot. You don't cool off. We'll see. It's crazy."

Despite the unique challenges, Gadot embraced this new cinematic frontier with openness and professionalism. Her willingness to adapt to industry changes shows that even Hollywood's most recognizable faces are evolving alongside technology.

The Broader Implications of AI in Entertainment

Gadot's experience is emblematic of a larger transformation taking place across the entertainment world. From virtual production techniques to AI-generated content, studios are increasingly relying on automation to streamline processes and reduce costs. However, these advancements come with ethical questions about creative control and actor rights.

The push for legal safeguards — like those discussed during the filming of "Bitcoin" — represents a critical step toward ensuring that technological innovation doesn't come at the expense of artistic integrity. As more productions adopt AI tools, we're likely to see continued dialogue between industry professionals, unions, and lawmakers about how best to protect talent.

Looking Ahead: Embracing Change

Gadot's candid reflections offer a valuable perspective on navigating the future of entertainment. While she doesn't shy away from acknowledging her fears, her actions show a commitment to staying relevant in an industry undergoing rapid change.

"I am trying to make the best of it and protect what I can protect," she said. "The AI component in this movie is for sets and the lighting. We had a broad crew and a lot of people were working on this movie." This openness underscores her belief that innovation must be balanced with responsibility.

As Hollywood grapples with the implications of AI integration, Gadot's approach offers a roadmap for how actors and filmmakers can embrace progress without sacrificing their core values. Her story reminds us that in the age of artificial intelligence, human artistry remains irreplaceable — even when it's supported by machine power.