Despite still being a day away from its theatrical release, the Hugh Grant-led Heretic has already created significant buzz due to its gripping narrative. Critics have responded extremely well to its initial screenings, resulting in stupendous Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic scores. The movie conveys a harrowing tale of survival and mostly relies on practical effects to do its bidding. In order to distance itself from the ever-expanding usage of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, Heretic goes as far as including a special message in the end credits scene.
Heretic’s end credits confirm ‘no generative AI was used’ in movie
As the end credits begin to roll at the conclusion of Heretic, viewers are treated to a message that states, “No generative AI was used in the making of this film.” In a recent discussion, directors Scott Beck and Bryan Woods highlighted the reason behind including such a strong note.
Recently, Woods explained why the creative duo decided to inform the audience of their rejection of generative AI via the end credits scene in Heretic. “We have no illusions that when people watch ‘Heretic’ they’re going to go, ‘Wait, did they use generative AI?'” he stated. “It doesn’t feel like that at all, but it was important for us to put that out there because we think it’s something people need to start talking about,” he added. (via Variety)
The multi-faceted artist also expressed how the excessive usage of AI in filmmaking is harmful in the long run. “I think this idea that an algorithm can just scrape all of human history and art off the internet, repackage it, regurgitate it, spit it out and somebody else can use that to create profit…I don’t know why that’s legal,” he clarified.
“It’s important for people to start talking about the need for human intersection in art, business and every facet of this life, because we’re on the precipice of every job on planet Earth being replaced overnight,” the director further stated.
Meanwhile, Scott Beck, who stands in solidarity with Woods’ comments, appreciated A24’s decision to back the inclusion of the aforementioned message in the end credits scene of Heretic.
The horror-thriller flick is scheduled to hit theatres in the U.S. on November 8, 2024.
