Netflix utilizes AI to create groundbreaking effects in The Eternaut

In Argentina, Netflix announced the use of artificial intelligence in the production of its Spanish language science fiction series The Eternaut. The news broke on July 17, 2025, following the company's second-quarter earnings report, wherein co-chief executive Ted Sarandos highlighted the technological advancement as a pioneering move for the streaming service. The show, set against the backdrop of a lethal snowfall that ravages the population, employed AI to enhance visual effects, specifically illustrating the dramatic collapse of a building in Buenos Aires. Sarandos expressed that this marked the first occasion AI-generated footage had been incorporated into a Netflix original project. Artificial intelligence facilitated the visual effects team in achieving results at unprecedented speed; according to Sarandos, the sequence was completed ten times faster than traditional visual effects methods would have allowed. This impressive efficiency was particularly significant given the show's modest budget, which would have otherwise restricted the feasibility of such elaborate effects. Sarandos stated that they were able to deliver convincing special effects due to the capabilities provided by AI technology. The momentum around AI in film and television has stirred various reactions within the industry. Prominent figures, including Robert Downey Jr. and James Gunn, have spoken out against the growing reliance on AI in film-making. In contrast, other notable creators such as James Cameron and Ben Affleck have embraced the technology, viewing it as a creative tool rather than a threat. For Netflix, the integration of AI into the production process comes amidst rising debates about the role of artificial intelligence, particularly in light of the recently resolved strike involving SAG-AFTRA members. This strike highlighted widespread concerns regarding AI's potential impact on jobs within the acting and trading sectors. The union's new agreement includes protections related to the use of AI, in addition to wage increases and improved streaming compensation for its members. The implications of AI usage in film production extend beyond individual projects, representing a larger trend of technological innovation reshaping the entertainment landscape. While fear of job displacement looms large, industry leaders, like Sarandos, argue that AI is fundamentally an opportunity rather than a threat, enhancing the capabilities of creators and the overall production process. With Netflix leading the charge in utilizing AI in original content, the entertainment realm may be on the brink of a technological revolution, paving the way for enhanced storytelling experiences in the years to come.