TIME magazine has named acclaimed Hollywood actors Ben Affleck and Joseph Gordon-Levitt among its most influential voices shaping the conversation around artificial intelligence for the year 2026. Both stars bring distinct perspectives to the rapidly evolving field, reflecting both its technological potential and ethical challenges.
Ben Affleck's AI Ventures in Filmmaking
Ben Affleck, known for his roles and directorial work, entered the AI space by founding InterPositive in 2022. This company aimed to streamline the labor-intensive and costly aspects of filmmaking post-production through AI, potentially lowering barriers to entry for new creators. While Affleck states he isn't concerned about AI replacing his job, he emphasizes the critical need for appropriate guardrails and ethical considerations within the industry.
InterPositive was later acquired by Netflix for $587 million, bringing its 16-member team of engineers, researchers, and creatives, along with Affleck himself, into the streaming giant as a senior adviser. The company's tools enable filmmakers to leverage AI models built from production dailies for tasks such as mixing, shot relighting, and visual effects integration.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt Champions AI Ethics and Storytelling
Joseph Gordon-Levitt, an actor and advocate, focuses on the humanities aspect of AI, particularly its impact on storytelling and creative power dynamics. In December 2025, he established the Creators Coalition on AI, an initiative also signed by Ben Affleck and other prominent figures like Natasha Lyonne, Daniel Kwan, Cate Blanchett, Margot Robbie, and Octavia Spencer.
Gordon-Levitt acknowledges AI's potential to empower more individuals but expresses concern that current development trends centralize power rather than democratizing it. He stresses the importance of public involvement, urging people to become advocates for how AI technology is developed and deployed, rather than remaining passive consumers. He argues that private companies alone should not dictate the future of this transformative technology.
Hollywood's Growing Role in AI Dialogue
The inclusion of Affleck and Gordon-Levitt by TIME underscores a broader trend of public figures from diverse sectors engaging with the implications of artificial intelligence. Their involvement highlights the multifaceted nature of AI's influence, spanning technical innovation in creative industries to critical discussions about ethical governance and societal impact.