The director of American History X wants to revolutionize cinema with 2nd Born, the first film starring a real and autonomous robot. It will work?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has starred in all kinds of film stories, such as Blade Runner, Artificial Intelligence and I, robot, among many others. However, authentic technology had never been used as protagonists in a movie. Tony Kaye, director of American History X (American History X), wants to change this with 2nd Born, his next film that will feature an authentic robot equipped with AI as its star actor [track].

The most curious thing is that this risky and very innovative bet is not for a blockbuster, nor a science fiction movie. This is the sequel to 1st Born, an independent romantic comedy co-produced between Iran and the United States, about a couple composed of an Iranian and an American who faces the birth of their first child and the harsh cohabitation between their respective families. Where does the robot enter this story? Nobody knows and production has not said anything about it either.

What we do know is that the idea came from several talks between producer Sam Khoze and Kaye himself, who concluded that using a real robot would be more effective than a CG character. Not satisfied with this, the filmmaker explained that his AI system will not have preloaded action methods, but will have the preparation of a real actor. Likewise, it is intended that the technology be recognized by the Actors Union (SAG).

It is a first and inevitable step towards a greater technological presence in the cinema, which could open the way for more and more productions to include different forms of AI in their cast. In turn, this could mark the beginning of countless debates, ranging from the dilemmas between hiring synthetic actors to the need to change the rules in future awards seasons. And of course, there is always the doubt about who will do a better job, because how would it have been but to see an authentic robot as the protagonist of Ex Machina? Or how would the sequels of Terminator work with true androids?

It may be a while before we really have to face these questions, but the first step has been taken. 2nd Born has no release date and is said to be starring much of the cast of the original film, led by Tom Berenger, Val Kilmer, Denise Richards, Jay Abdo and William Baldwin.