Danny Boyle Defends AI Use in "Ink," Says He'll Use It Again for Animals and Non-Actor Roles

Director Danny Boyle has doubled down on his use of generative AI in his film "Ink," which sparked audience backlash at its Venice and Toronto festival premieres. The film used AI for approximately 30 seconds of footage, including mice scurrying through an office and a likeness of the late Margaret Thatcher. At a Toronto Q&A, one audience member audibly told Boyle to "never do that shit again," but the director remained firm, stating the production was careful to ensure no actors lost work as a result.

Speaking at the London Film Festival premiere in October, Boyle described AI as "a tool that can be used if there's a proper and decent way to use it," singling out animal depiction as a clear use case — citing the distress real animals experience on set. He also acknowledged the technology's risks, warning that legislative and advisory bodies cannot keep pace with its rapid development, and that even its creators may not fully understand what they are building. "Ink" is set for a wider UK cinema release in January 2027.