Guillermo Del Toro would ‘rather die’ than use generative AI - Fresh Air Recap

Podcast: Fresh Air

Published: 2026-01-30

Duration: 45 minutes

Guests: Guillermo del Toro, John Powers

Summary

Guillermo del Toro discusses his film 'Frankenstein', which is nominated for nine Academy Awards, and his aversion to using generative AI in filmmaking. He also shares personal stories that shaped his unique perspective on life and art.

What Happened

Guillermo del Toro's fascination with monsters began in his childhood in Guadalajara, Mexico, where he was so engrossed in drawing creatures that his deeply Catholic grandmother performed exorcisms on him. This passion was solidified after watching the 1931 film 'Frankenstein', which offered him a deeper understanding of faith than traditional Catholic teachings. His adaptation of Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein' is notable for its empathic portrayal of the creature, mirroring themes of misunderstood beings and the cruelty of humans.

Del Toro's film is structured in three parts, with the final segment told from the creature's perspective. The film explores complex themes such as religion, empathy, and the perils of scientific hubris, featuring performances by Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the creature. Del Toro likens the creature to both Jesus and Pinocchio, emphasizing its quest for acceptance and understanding.

A significant turning point in Del Toro's life was the kidnapping of his father, which forced him to raise a million-dollar ransom. This traumatic event left him with PTSD but also shaped his worldview and creative output, infusing his films with a sense of urgency and depth.

Del Toro is a vocal critic of generative AI, expressing a preference for human creativity over artificial means. He humorously states he would rather die than use AI in his films, underscoring his belief in the irreplaceable nature of human imagination.

The episode also features a review of the film 'Islands' by John Powers. Directed by Jan Oleg Gerste, the film is set in the Canary Islands and follows a former tennis pro whose life is upended while giving lessons to a wealthy couple's son. The film is characterized as a blend of high art and pulp crime, drawing comparisons to Michel Welbeck's 'Lanzarote' and the TV series 'The White Lotus'.

Del Toro's storytelling is deeply influenced by his experiences, including his father's lottery win and subsequent kidnapping, which provided both opportunity and adversity. His films often reflect these dualities, exploring themes of life, death, and the human condition through a fantastical lens.

The conversation highlights the philosophical underpinnings of Del Toro's work, where he intertwines myth, religion, and personal history to craft narratives that resonate on a universal level. His approach to filmmaking is deeply personal, prioritizing authentic storytelling over technological shortcuts.

Key Insights