O'Leary: AI could replace background actors on Marty Supreme

Kevin O'Leary said on a recent podcast that A24's upcoming film Marty Supreme could have saved millions of dollars by replacing background actors with AI-generated agents, arguing the move would cut costs and allow studios to make more films. O'Leary, who appears in the Josh Safdie-directed sports dramedy, made the comments while describing production logistics and the emergence of fully synthetic performers.

O'Leary recounted that many scenes in Marty Supreme involved as many as 150 extras, who he said must remain on set for long hours and in full costume despite not being central to the story. He argued AI agents could reproduce that background activity visually at far lower cost, freeing budgets for additional projects. He also cited the example of an AI-created performer known as Tilly Norwood, saying, "She is 100 percent AI. She doesn't exist, but she's a great actress," and noting that such creations do not require breaks or meals. During the interview he twice misnamed the AI performer as Tilly Norwell.

The remarks come as the film, which stars Timothée Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow and features O'Leary in a supporting role, is scheduled for wide release on December 25....