Emily Blunt refused Steven Spielberg's offer to use AI for her alien voice in 'Disclosure Day'

In a bold move, Emily Blunt opted for a hands-on approach to the creation of her character's alien language in Steven Spielberg's latest film, "Disclosure Day." During her promotional tour, she revealed that she turned down Spielberg's suggestion to utilize artificial intelligence for perfecting the unique clicking sounds her character emits. "He mentioned, 'We could do it with AI, or you could do it,' and I confidently replied, 'I feel I can make some weird noises,'" Blunt shared with Entertainment Tonight. The actress took to experimenting with various sounds in the privacy of her bathroom, sending different recordings to Spielberg for feedback. Blunt's creative process involved a mix of clicking, humming, and even low singing reminiscent of Barry White, all infused with Morse code elements. "We threw everything at it, and I think he wanted the sounds to feel mathematical yet not overly frightening," she explained. The final audio that audiences will experience in "Disclosure Day" is a compilation of the layered sounds she recorded in a professional sound booth. The film, which premiered recently, also features a talented cast including Josh O'Connor, Colin Firth, Colman Domingo, and Eve Hewson. While some in Hollywood are embracing AI for its potential to streamline productions and cut costs, there is a growing backlash against the technology. Critics fear that AI could replace human talent, exploit personal likenesses, and undermine the value of artistic expression. Blunt has voiced her concerns about AI, particularly during a September 2025 interview with Variety, where she expressed her discomfort with the emergence of AI actors like Tilly Norwood. "That’s really, really scary. Come on, agencies, please don’t do that. Let’s keep our human connection intact," she urged. In an earlier conversation with USA Today, she described AI as a "very scary bubble to poke your head inside," reflecting on her protective instincts as a mother regarding her children’s interaction with technology. She humorously compared the allure of technology to having a drug dealer in the house, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding her children’s well-being as they approach adolescence. Blunt's concerns echo those of other actors in the industry, with some, like Matthew McConaughey, taking legal action to secure their likenesses and trademarks, alongside notable musicians such as Taylor Swift and Lionel Richie.