Simu Liu Slams AI Replacing Extras: “Art Is Art Because It’s Human”

Simu Liu is speaking out against the use of AI to replace actors, especially background performers. The Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings star criticized comments from Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary, who suggested that using AI extras could cut production costs for films, including Liu’s upcoming A24 project, Marty Supreme.

Responding on X last week, Liu wrote, “sure, blame the extras making 15-22 dollars an hour struggling to make a living and not above the line people making multiple millions.” He expanded on his stance in an interview with Deadline during press for the Netflix animated film In Your Dreams.

“First of all, I thought that take that I was responding to is a really dumb take, particularly really tone deaf and out of touch and also just kind of incorrect,” Liu said. He argued that background actors working for minimum wage are not responsible for rising movie costs, calling the idea simply untrue.

Liu’s passion for defending extras comes from his own start in the industry. He began his career as a background actor, landing a role in Pacific Rim shortly after leaving his accounting job more than ten years ago. He says that experience was “invaluable” for learning the technical side of filmmaking.

“This idea of replacing actors with AI, it’s so antithetical to my development as an actor. I think if I was able to learn from that experience, then how many other people are doing the same? In depriving the world of background actors, you’re also depriving people the opportunity to kind of pick up these skills,” he explained.

Liu also emphasized that filmmaking should remain a human-driven art form. “Film is such an artist’s medium. Of all the uses of AI that have come forth, replacing art is just, I feel like, the last thing that anybody wants to do with AI.”

“I feel like art is art because it’s human. It comes down to even the way that extras move…it all plays into the frame, and it’s all meaningful to the story. I really do feel like human beings are smart. I feel like when we see somebody in the background not moving like a human, we know. I feel like we could still tell the difference, at least right now.”

For Liu, AI may have its place in many areas, but acting, especially the contributions of background performers, must stay human. He sees it not just as a matter of art, but also as a crucial way for new actors to learn and grow.

What do you think about AI replacing extras in movies? Is it the future or a threat to the human side of filmmaking? Share your thoughts in the comments.