Ben Affleck confirmed this week that he used artificial intelligence across multiple stages of production on Animals, his upcoming Netflix thriller, while declining to name specific applications.
Speaking with Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw, Affleck compared disclosure to ruining a magic show. "It's sort of like if you went to a magic show and the magician walked out and said, 'Just before I start, I want you to know there's another bunny under here,'" he said. He went on to confirm the use directly: "But yes, we did use it, and in fact, I thought it was a good example (of how to use AI ethically) because it's a very human movie."
The admission carries weight. In March 2026, Netflix acquired InterPositive, an AI filmmaking company Affleck had been building since 2022. Netflix confirmed it paid $587 million for the startup. Unlike generative AI tools, InterPositive builds models trained on a production's own dailies, then applies them in post-production for tasks including color grading, relighting, and effects work. Affleck moved into an advisory role after the acquisition closed. Netflix does not plan to sell the technology commercially.
Animals arrives October 9 on Netflix and in select theaters. Affleck plays an LA mayoral candidate whose campaign fractures when his son is kidnapped. Kerry Washington co-stars as his wife. The film also features Gillian Anderson and Steven Yeun, and is produced through Artists Equity, the studio Affleck founded with Matt Damon and Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital.
