Jodie Foster Says That Brad Pitt’s F1 “Was Made by AI" and Explains Why

Artificial intelligence continues to be one of the hottest topics in Hollywood, and it seems like everyone has an opinion on where the technology is taking the film industry.

During a recent discussion at the Aspen Festival of Ideas, Jodie Foster shared an amusing take on one of the biggest movies of the year, suggesting thatF1felt like it had been created by AI.

She wasn't taking a shot at the movie's success, though. In fact, Foster acknowledged just how well it performed while using it as an example in a larger conversation about storytelling, technology, and where the business might be headed.

Speaking during a Tuesday panel titled Who Owns the Future of Hollywood alongside former Sony Pictures CEO Michael Lynton, Foster explained:

“I don’t say this disparagingly — how could I? This movie went on to make millions of dollars. But I look at a movie like ‘F1’ and I’m like, ‘F1’ was made by AI, Wasn’t it? I mean, the structure was exactly the structure that you would learn in school.

“The actors say the lines exactly the way it would be written if a computer was writing exactly what would be the right thing for that time. And they were able to dominate the technology to make something big and beautiful and potentially where a lot of the information comes from other places.”

It's an interesting observation, especially considering how polished and formula-driven many modern blockbusters can feel. But following a classic storytelling structure isn't exactly a flaw.

Those story beats have existed for generations because they work. Audiences connect with compelling characters, rising tension, emotional payoffs, and satisfying endings whether the story is about race cars, superheroes, or space battles.

Personally, I seriously doubt AI had anything to do with writing F1. It's much more likely that the filmmakers simply leaned into a tried-and-true Hollywood formula. And honestly, if AI somehow did have a hand in crafting it, then it apparently did a pretty great job because the movie clearly connected with audiences around the world.

The numbers certainly speak for themselves. F1 has earned an impressive $634 million worldwide and even landed four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, ultimately taking home the Oscar for Best Sound.

Foster's comments came during a broader conversation about AI's growing role in filmmaking. Lynton asked her how she sees the technology changing the entertainment industry, and Foster acknowledged that Hollywood has already adapted to massive technological shifts over the years.

“AI is one more giant step forward into changing the industry,” Foster said after detailing the changes to the movie business brought by CGI and digital technology. Lynton followed up by asking the question that's on everyone's mind. “The big question is, is it going to replace actors and writers?”

Foster didn't dance around the issue. “We do replace people,” Foster replied, explaining how studios save money on crowd scenes by replicating background actors.

“We’re getting rid of a lot of jobs and hopefully, things like unions will be able to come in and say, you can use my actor 20 times, but you’re going to pay him 20 times. And I think that’s fair.”

While she clearly has concerns about AI replacing creative workers, Foster also believes the technology has legitimate uses when it's treated as a tool instead of a replacement for artists.

She pointed to previsualization as one area where AI can genuinely help filmmakers and added: “What we all would love is that filmmakers would be able to dominate AI, and never lose sight of that.”

Foster also revealed that AI assisted with a dreamlike sequence in her latest film, My Private Life, explaining that the unusual imagery worked for what she wanted to accomplish, even if the visuals themselves "made no sense."

Looking ahead, she's hopeful that filmmakers can remain in control of the technology rather than letting it dictate creative decisions.

“If we are able to dominate AI consistently over time, we will be able to make things that reflect us, and we can make things better.”

Whether you agree with Foster's assessment of F1 or not, her comments raise an interesting discussion about how audiences view storytelling today. There's a difference between a movie following familiar narrative beats and one that actually feels creatively empty.

Formula doesn't automatically mean bad. Some of Hollywood's greatest films are built on timeless storytelling principles that have worked for decades.

AI will almost certainly become a bigger part of filmmaking in the years ahead, but the human element is still what gives movies their personality. Technology can be an incredible tool, but it's the filmmakers, writers, actors, and artists using it that ultimately determine whether a story leaves a lasting impression.