One of Hollywood’s most hotly watched hitmakers, Shawn Levy, the creative force behind Stranger Things, Deadpool & Wolverine and several blockbuster giants, has now stepped into the fiercely swirling Artificial Intelligence debate. As studios and creators continue to wrestle with what the technology could mean for storytelling, Levy has added his voice to one of Hollywood’s most charged conversations. And while the AI storm keeps dominating headlines, the filmmaker has called it an essential tool for moviemaking, even while admitting his own use so far has remained limited.

Speaking to Variety at the Breakthrough Prize Ceremony on Saturday, Shawn Levy admitted he has not yet used Artificial Intelligence in any meaningful phase of his storytelling process. Still, the filmmaker made it clear he has little doubt that AI integration will arrive during the course of his career. He further stressed that creators must integrate AI responsibly, keep human creativity firmly on the throne, and use the technology to elevate storytelling rather than replace the singular power of true creative vision.

“To date, I’ve not incorporated AI in any meaningful way in any phase of my storytelling process, but I have no doubt that in the course of my career we will see its integration,” Levy said.

Adding fresh fire to the already heated debate, the director made it clear that regulation cannot be ignored, revealing he spends part of each day understanding the rules now forming around AI. Levy also warned that brushing the technology aside as a passing trend would be dangerously naive, insisting it is swiftly becoming an essential force not only in filmmaking, but in everyday life itself.

Meanwhile, amid the AI storm, the director has already wrapped Star Wars: Starfighter and entered post-production, with the film set for the 2027 slate.

Where to watch Shawn Levy’s next galactic epic, Star Wars: Starfighter?

Directed by Shawn Levy, Star Wars: Starfighter continues the saga nearly five years after the events of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, while Lucasfilm officially unveiled the project during Star Wars Celebration Japan in 2025. The film will also break new ground as the first theatrical Star Wars chapter to move beyond the Skywalker Saga timeline when it arrives exclusively in cinemas on May 28, 2027, the same date that marks the 50th anniversary of the original 1977 classic.

However, the official home-viewing date remains unannounced. Still, modern Star Wars releases typically land on Disney+ after their theatrical run, making the streamer the most likely destination after cinemas. The film will be led by Ryan Gosling, with Amy Adams, Matt Smith, Mia Goth, and Aaron Pierre rounding out the star-studded ensemble.

Meanwhile, ahead of Star Wars: Starfighter hitting cinemas, Shawn Levy has made one thing clear that AI may enter the future of filmmaking, but the soul of storytelling must remain human.

What are your thoughts on Shawn Levy calling AI an essential tool for moviemaking while admitting limited use so far? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Lisa Roy

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui