In a significant development for the entertainment industry, Netflix has officially acknowledged using artificial intelligence (AI) to generate a scene in its latest sci-fi series, The Eternaut. The revelation came during the company’s Q2 2025 earnings call, where co-CEO Ted Sarandos disclosed that an AI-generated video sequence was deployed in the post-apocalyptic thriller to accelerate production and reduce expenses.
AI Brings Efficiency to Sci-Fi Production
According to a report by The Verge, the AI-generated scene in question involved a dramatic building collapse in Buenos Aires, where a train slams into a structure, causing it to crumble. Rather than rely on traditional filming and visual effects (VFX), Netflix chose to generate the entire sequence synthetically using AI, marking a first-of-its-kind implementation for an original Netflix production.
Sarandos emphasized that the scene was completed 10 times faster than it would have been using conventional VFX workflows, and at a fraction of the cost. “The cost of it just wouldn’t have been feasible for a show in that budget,” he told shareholders.
About The Eternaut
Released on April 30, 2025, The Eternaut is a gripping sci-fi mystery series adapted from the iconic Argentine comic of the same name. The show spans eight episodes and is set in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic Buenos Aires. It follows a group of survivors navigating deadly snowfalls and invisible enemies, blending survival drama with political undertones.
The AI-assisted scene contributes to the show’s cinematic intensity while offering a glimpse into the future of content production, where synthetic visuals might become increasingly mainstream.
Netflix’s Stance on AI in Creative Workflows
During the call, Sarandos refrained from naming the specific AI model used, but reiterated Netflix’s growing confidence in generative AI tools. He noted that the company sees AI not just as a cost-saving tool but as a way to help creators tell better stories.
“This isn’t about replacing creators,” he said. “It’s about enabling them to do things that would otherwise be technically or financially impossible.”
A Growing Trend in Filmmaking
Netflix joins a growing list of studios experimenting with AI in filmmaking. In 2024, the critically acclaimed drama The Brutalist used AI to refine actors’ Hungarian dialogues and to bring complex architectural designs to life. The film went on to receive multiple accolades, including a nomination for Best Picture at the Oscars 2025.
The trend signals a shift in how production teams approach challenges related to time, cost, and visual complexity, with AI becoming an increasingly viable tool in high-end content creation.
What This Means for the Industry
Netflix’s public acknowledgment of AI in a major original series underscores a broader transformation in the entertainment landscape. As AI-generated video tools mature, they offer solutions to production bottlenecks without compromising creative vision. This could pave the way for more cost-efficient and visually ambitious content, especially for mid-budget series and international productions.
However, the move also raises questions around transparency, ethics, and employment in creative fields, especially concerning traditional VFX artists and technicians. Industry observers will be closely watching how streaming giants balance innovation with workforce considerations.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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