James Cameron isn’t ditching his team for robots. Instead, the Avatar director is looking at artificial intelligence as a way to speed up the filmmaking process, not replace people. His change of heart has raised eyebrows, especially after he once called AI a danger to humanity referencing his 1984 sci-fi classic The Terminator as a warning.
Last year, Cameron joined the board of Stability AI, a company working on AI tools for visual media. Speaking on the Boz to the Future podcast, he admitted his earlier views were rooted in fear, but now he’s more interested in understanding how AI could fit into the creative side of movie-making especially when it comes to visual effects.
“It’s not about firing anyone,” he said. “It’s about getting through the work faster so artists can move on to the next exciting project.” His idea is simple: if visual effects teams can finish their shots in less time, the whole process becomes more efficient, without sacrificing jobs or creativity.
Cameron used recent big-budget hits like Dune and Dune: Part Two as examples of the kind of storytelling he wants to preserve. But keeping that scale of cinema alive, he argues, requires finding ways to make production more affordable. AI, in his view, could help cut costs without cutting people.
Still, his shift in perspective hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2023, he had openly criticised AI, saying it lacked the emotional depth to write meaningful stories. “If an AI wins Best Screenplay in 20 years, then I’ll take it seriously,” he joked in an interview. That comment, paired with his recent AI advocacy, has led to accusations of hypocrisy on social media.
James Cameron director believes AI can make big-budget films more efficient without cutting jobsGetty Images
Reactions have been split. Some see Cameron’s approach as practical, using technology to ease the burden on creative teams. Others think it’s a slippery slope, fearing it will eventually lead to job losses and soulless content. Some fans even argued that many films have managed fine without AI, so why the sudden push?
But Cameron insists his aim isn’t to automate creativity. It’s to give artists more breathing room and more time to do what they do best. Whether that vision holds up remains to be seen, the conversation around AI in Hollywood isn’t going away.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.