Tom Holland says AI 'doesn't have a soul,' insists human creativity can't be replaced

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As artificial intelligence continues to loom over Hollywood, actor Tom Holland dismissed concerns about the technology replacing human creativity while appearing alongside actress Zendaya on Spain’s 'El Hormiguero' talk show on Wednesday, June 17.

The BAFTA winner recently shared his views on AI, arguing that artistic expression is rooted in emotions and experiences that machines cannot replicate. His comments come as the entertainment industry continues to debate the opportunities and risks associated with the rapidly evolving technology.

Tom Holland argues human creativity remains beyond AI’s reach

During an appearance on the talk show, Holland explained why he is not concerned about AI taking over creative professions. “Creativity is safe from AI because creativity has to do with the human experience. It’s about emotions, it’s about understanding one another,” he said.

The actor argued that while AI can process information and analyze data, it lacks the emotional understanding that drives artistic work. “AI can sift through data, but it can’t understand people’s emotions. It doesn’t understand the difference between being happy and being sad,” he continued.

Referring to artists and their creative process, he added, “The way artists paint, it’s not about what they’re copying, it’s about expressing themselves, so I feel protected. [AI] doesn’t have a soul.”

Holland’s remarks arrive as he prepares for a major summer at the box office. He is set to appear as Telemachus in filmmaker Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey,' which is scheduled for release on July 24. He will also reprise his role in 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' set to hit theaters on July 31.

As the debate over AI continues across Hollywood, SAG-AFTRA has endorsed the Trump administration’s AI policy framework, which advocates for legislation covering parental controls, intellectual property protections, First Amendment safeguards, expanded AI workforce development, independent power generation for data centers, and the removal of legal barriers that could restrict AI innovation.

Guillermo del Toro and George Clooney share their concerns about AI

Holland is among several actors and filmmakers who have publicly addressed growing concerns about AI and job security in Hollywood. On Monday, June 15, filmmaker Guillermo del Toro spoke about the issue during the BFI America dinner event in Hollywood.

“We are on the verge of image illiteracy. We are on the verge of cinema illiteracy,” del Toro told attendees. The Oscar-winning director behind 'Pan’s Labyrinth,' 'Hellboy,' 'The Shape of Water,' and 'Frankenstein' warned against the increasing role of AI in artistic creation.

Stressing the importance of human expression, he said, “The pact between man and image is sacred.” He also criticized the technology directly, stating, “We are told images can be generated by artificial means. The existence of an image is not just to be there. It is to connect us, to make us feel beauty.”

Actor George Clooney also weighed in on the debate during the Los Angeles premiere of Jay Kelly. Discussing recent advancements in AI-generated content, he admitted that developments such as Sora 2 have caused concern across the industry.

“The thing that really rattled Hollywood in general was the Sora 2 stuff. That shook everybody because suddenly the quality was much better, and it’s scary,” Clooney said. Despite those concerns, he suggested that AI may struggle with some of the same challenges faced by the entertainment industry itself.