Timothée Chalamet highlights duty to protect artists amid AI revolution

Timothée Chalamet has shared his candid thoughts on artificial intelligence, warning that the technology is poised to transform Hollywood and urging its integration in an ethical way.

The 30-year-old actor spoke during a town hall hosted by Variety and CNN in Texas, where he appeared alongside Matthew McConaughey. 

Addressing a crowd of college-age students, Chalamet reflected on the responsibility that comes with rapid technological change.

“It’s going to be all of our war to wage sounds confrontational, I don’t mean to say it like that, but it’s a dual responsibility,” he said.

While acknowledging that younger generations may ultimately determine how AI is woven into creative industries, Chalamet emphasized that established figures in Hollywood also have a duty to protect opportunities for emerging talent.

“Unfortunately for your generation, I think it’s going to be you guys that figure out how to integrate it,” he continued. 

“There’s a huge responsibility for people that are positions of power now, like myself, like Matthew, to safekeep so that doors stay open. Some of the roles I got that helped kickstart my career, I wouldn’t even know if they’re available today.”

Chalamet admitted he feels a sense of inevitability about AI’s arrival in filmmaking, but said its use must be carefully considered.

“There’s a level of fatalism I feel,” he shared. “It will be on your generation, and mine to an extent, to know how to ethically integrate it, if at all, or do away with it.”

At the same time, the actor expressed cautious optimism, noting that the technology could empower young creators if used responsibly.

“The dreamer in me wants to go, ‘Hey, if it enables a 19-year-old to produce something they couldn’t otherwise because there’s gatekeepers standing in the way, then [good].’ But ultimately, it’s not my place to say.”

Despite the uncertainty, Chalamet made clear that he remains “fiercely protective” of actors and artists. Still, he acknowledged the broader reality facing the industry.

“Whatever tide is coming, it’s coming,” he said, adding that he hopes to keep doors open for the next generation as Hollywood navigates an AI-driven future.