When Steven Spielberg directed A.I. Artificial Intelligence in 2001, the idea of sentient machines was just science fiction. Now that artificial intelligence has become a real part of Hollywood, Spielberg has made it clear that he wants strict limits on its use. In an interview with Reuters, he said he “doesn’t want AI making any creative decisions” that he can’t make himself and added that he also refuses to use it “as a non-human collaborator” in shaping his creative ideas.

Spielberg made these remarks shortly after Universal Studios honored him by naming a theater on its lot The Steven Spielberg Theater. This tribute recognized his decades-long partnership with the studio, which backed some of his most famous films like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and E.T.

Reflecting on his early days at Universal, Spielberg joked that his journey began in 1967 when he “hid in a bathroom” during a high school tour so he could stay behind. “Then I had the entire lot to myself that day,” he said.

During the dedication, NBCUniversal’s Entertainment & Studios chairperson Donna Langley described Spielberg as a timeless source of inspiration. She said the space represents “not just the place that is founded on his extraordinary legacy” but also “the place of future hopes and dreams of filmmakers” who will shape the studio’s next century.

Spielberg’s Film Explored Emotion, Not Just Machines

Spielberg’s 2001 film A.I. explored themes of love, loss, and humanity through the eyes of David, a robot child abandoned by his adoptive mother. The film released years before modern AI tools like ChatGPT existed. Spielberg clarified that the film “wasn’t about artificial intelligence as much as it was about sentient existence,” and questioned, “Can a mother love a robot child?” He explained that while the story explored deep emotions, it didn’t reflect “where AI is taking us today.”

He believes that eventually “there will be a convergence between AI and robotics,” but his film focused more on emotion than on technology’s future capabilities.

AI Has Value in Science, Not in Storytelling

Spielberg acknowledged that AI could help humanity when used for the right reasons. He said AI is a “great tool if used responsibly and morally” and can assist in areas like curing cancer. However, when it comes to storytelling, he draws a clear line—though not a permanent one. He explained, “It’s not a line of cement, it’s just a little bit of line in the sand,” giving him room to rethink things in the future. But at present, he firmly stated, “I don’t want AI making any creative decisions.”

Past Experience Shaped His Views

Spielberg recalled how technology had already replaced human creativity during the making of Jurassic Park in 1993. He initially planned to use clay animation by artist Phil Tippett, but visual effects expert Dennis Muren suggested using computer-generated imagery instead. The decision helped create some of cinema’s most memorable visuals, but Spielberg noted that “it kind of made certain careers somewhat extinct.”

Because of this, he said he’s now “very sensitive to things that AI may do to take work away from people.”

Spielberg Keeps AI Away from His Films—For Now

So far, Spielberg has never used AI in any of his films. He is open to experimenting with it behind the scenes for tasks like budgeting or scheduling. However, he stressed, “I don’t want to use it in front of the camera right now,” and then added, “Not quite yet.”