Why Pluribus Creator Vince Gilligan Included an Anti-AI Message in the End Credits
Apple TV
Vince Gilligan's latest Apple TV show, "Pluribus," features a subtle yet powerful anti-AI message in its credits. As the world hurtles towards an AI-driven future, Gilligan's show takes a stand against the technology, with the line, "This show was made by humans." This message is a bold statement against the growing influence of AI in the entertainment industry, a topic that has sparked intense debate. Gilligan, known for his candid and outspoken nature, has elaborated on his views, criticizing AI-generated content as a "loop of nonsense."
In an interview with Variety, Gilligan expressed his disdain for AI, calling it the world's most expensive and energy-intensive plagiarism machine. He argues that large AI data centers consume vast amounts of power and water, raising environmental concerns. Gilligan's skepticism extends to the potential of AI to create meaningful content, likening it to a cow chewing its cud. He believes that AI is driven by the greed of centibillionaires aiming to become trillionaires, selling a bag of vapor.
The show's premise, a novel by a novelist who encounters a world of contented drones after an alien virus infects the global populace, mirrors modern-day concerns about AI. Gilligan warns against the "diet of crap" that AI might feed us and the potential for AI to become superintelligent, leading to a discussion of slavery and the monetization of sentient beings. Despite the risk of including an anti-AI message in a show made by a major tech company, Gilligan's show "Pluribus" is a superb and intriguing sci-fi series that explores these themes.
Rhea Seehorn, the star of "Pluribus," shares Gilligan's anti-AI sentiment. She spoke out against the AI-generated "actress" Tilly Norwood, criticizing the idea of AI representation. Seehorn emphasizes the importance of human experience in art, stating that AI cannot replace the essence of human creativity. Gilligan's views on AI are not just a personal stance but a reflection of his concerns about the trajectory of modern media and culture.
As the debate over AI continues, Vince Gilligan's "Pluribus" stands as a bold statement against the technology, leaving viewers with a thought-provoking message in the end credits.
