George Lucas Calls AI in Filmmaking an Inevitable 'Progress'

George Lucas has stated that the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking is an unavoidable development. The Star Wars creator made the comments in a recent interview, according to a report by Star Wars News Net.

Speaking to A Rabbit’s Foot ahead of the opening of his museum, Lucas framed the integration of AI as a form of technological progress. “There’s nothing you can do about it,” he said. “That’s progress, it’s the future.”

What did George Lucas say about AI?

In his remarks, Lucas drew a historical parallel to illustrate his point. “It’s very much like sitting here saying, ‘Well, I believe the horse and the buggy is really where it’s at. These cars, they break down, they need gas, there’s all kinds of problems with them…’ It’s terrible,” he said. “There’s nothing you can do about it. That’s progress, it’s the future.”

Why are his comments controversial?

The report notes his comments have “driven ire from others,” as AI remains a highly contentious topic. The controversy often centers on Generative AI and Agentic AI, which are widely criticized for issues like potential plagiarism and environmental impact. According to the report, many of the tools Lucas referred to are not strictly GenAI or AgenAI, and many existing tools were called “AI” in an attempt to appease shareholders.

He clarified in a 2024 statement that his position is more about inevitability than blanket endorsement. “We’ve been using it for 25 years,” Lucas said, referring to digital technologies. “The thing of it is, it’s inevitable.”

In the more recent interview, he also emphasized responsible use. “If you want AI that tells you when something is fake and where it came from, AI can do that,” Lucas noted. “The whole idea is you’re a human being, you’re responsible for what you say and what you do.”

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, his primary creative focus since selling Star Wars, is scheduled to open on September 22, 2026.