"I'm a bit terrified of it": Emily Blunt on use of AI for film 'Disclosure Day'
Washington DC, May 31
Emily Blunt revealed that she is "terrified" of AI and chose not to rely on it during a pivotal sequence in Steven Spielberg's upcoming film 'Disclosure Day', reported Variety.
The Spielberg-directed sci-fi film follows a Kansas City TV meteorologist, played by Blunt, who is suddenly overcome by a mysterious extraterrestrial force while taping a weather segment live on air.
The actress told 'Hot Ones' host Sean Evans in the show's latest episode that the key scene features her character speaking in a non-human language.
"It's a four-minute oner that we shot that leads up to that moment where she's gradually sort of disintegrating. There's various ways you could do it. You could go the AI route, which I'm a bit terrified of. I thought I could make some really strange sounds," said Blunt as quoted by Variety.
Instead, Blunt opted to record the sound organically with the help of the sound designer of the film.
Blunt said, "I said maybe I could come in, and we'll just do a range of weird sounds. And it's what we did. I did sort of the clicking sounds, I did sort of humming sounds, consonant sounds, breathing strange sounds," as quoted by Variety.
Strategically placed mics allowed the sound team to capture everything they needed. "The sound designer went away and created that weird sound," Blunt added.
'Disclosure Day' is set to hit theatres on June 12. The film also stars Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson, Colman Domingo, Wyatt Russell and Henry Lloyd-Hughes.
The logline reads, "If you found out we weren't alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people. We are coming close to ... 'Disclosure Day.'"
Spielberg developed the story with screenwriter David Koepp, who previously collaborated with him on the films 'Jurassic Park', 'Jurassic Park: The Lost World,' 'War of the Worlds' and 'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull'.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is exactly why I love Hollywood's respect for craft. She could have easily used AI, but chose to do weird sounds herself - that's dedication. Meanwhile in Bollywood, we're busy using auto-tune and CGI for everything. Need to learn from this approach. Respect for Emily Blunt! 👏
As someone working in animation, I understand the fear. AI can do amazing things, but it also makes us question where human creativity ends and automation begins. Blunt's choice shows that even in 2025, there's value in doing things the old-fashioned way. Can't wait to see this film!
The article says "if you found out we weren't alone" - and here in India, we already believe in aliens, gods, and supernatural beings. That's why such sci-fi themes resonate with us. But I agree with Blunt: AI shouldn't replace human emotion in art. Growing up watching Spielberg's ET and Jurassic Park, I trust his vision completely. ❤️
Sorry but I disagree slightly. AI isn't the enemy - it's a tool. If used properly, it could have enhanced the scene even more. But I respect her choice. Also, great to see Spielberg working with Koepp again - their collaboration on Jurassic Park was legendary! This will be a must-watch in June.
"I'm a bit terrified of it" - honestly, most Indians in creative fields feel the same. Our film industry is already struggling with CGI quality, and AI might make things worse for voice actors. But this is Hollywood, they can afford to experiment
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.