July 21,2025: Streaming platform Netflix is facing widespread criticism following reports that it used artificial intelligence to generate a key scene in its upcoming sci-fi series The Eternaut, raising fresh concerns over the role of AI in entertainment production.
The scene in question features a building collapse in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. According to industry sources, the visual effects were created using AI tools rather than traditional methods, allegedly as a cost-cutting measure. The company has not officially confirmed the report, but insiders familiar with the production have indicated that AI-generated visuals were part of the post-production process.
The Eternaut, adapted from the iconic 1957 Argentine graphic novel El Eternauta by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López, is one of the most culturally significant stories in Latin American literature. The story follows a group of survivors navigating a post-apocalyptic Buenos Aires after a deadly snowfall strikes the city. Netflix’s adaptation has been highly anticipated, especially in Argentina, where the original comic holds strong political and historical relevance.
The reported use of AI has triggered backlash from Argentine filmmakers, artists, and unions. Many argue that employing AI in such a pivotal scene not only compromises the artistic integrity of the project but also threatens local employment in the film and animation sectors.
The Argentine Audiovisual Workers Union issued a statement condemning the alleged decision. “Outsourcing visual storytelling to artificial intelligence undermines the skill and labor of thousands of professionals who have built Argentina’s rich cinematic tradition,” the statement read. “This move is not just about budget—it’s about valuing culture and jobs.”
Industry experts have expressed concern over a growing trend among major studios to use AI as a substitute for human creativity. While AI offers speed and budget efficiency, critics warn that overreliance on the technology could erode storytelling quality and displace skilled workers across the global entertainment industry.
The controversy also reignites broader ethical debates on AI in content creation. Artists and unions worldwide have been pushing for clearer regulations to prevent the misuse of AI tools in film, television, and digital media.
As of now, Netflix has not responded to calls for clarification regarding its use of AI in The Eternaut. Meanwhile, the series remains in post-production, with a release date yet to be announced.
