Eugenio Derbez Foresees AI Boom in Entertainment, But Emphasizes Human Emotion's Enduring Value

In a recent keynote at the Iberseries & Platino Industria event in Madrid, Spain, renowned Mexican actor, producer, and director Eugenio Derbez shared his insights on the entertainment industry's future. Derbez, known for his work in films like CODA and Radical, discussed his transition from comedy to drama and the growing role of producing in his career.

One of the key topics Derbez addressed was the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the entertainment sector. He predicted a surge of AI-driven projects in the coming years, but emphasized that the technology cannot replace the true emotion and connection that human actors bring to the table. "It doesn't have a soul," Derbez said, adding that he believes audiences will be willing to pay more to watch films not produced by AI.

Derbez's own career trajectory reflects this sentiment. While he was once primarily known for his comedic roles, his success in dramatic films like the Oscar-winning CODA has opened doors to more challenging projects. "When I did CODA and Radical, I started getting invited to parties," he shared, drawing parallels to the journeys of other acclaimed actors like Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, and Robin Williams.

As Derbez has expanded his producing work, he has faced the challenge of assessing the viability of new ideas. "Every day, I receive pitches," he said, "but how do you know if an idea is good or not?" He highlighted the importance of creating content that resonates emotionally with a global audience, citing the success of shows like Squid Game and Money Heist.

Derbez's insights underscore the enduring value of human connection and authenticity in the entertainment industry, even as AI continues to evolve and shape the landscape.