Maggie Gyllenhaal Chose Human Artistry Over AI for Marilyn Monroe Role

Filmmaker Maggie Gyllenhaal explored the use of artificial intelligence to bring Marilyn Monroe to the screen for her upcoming project, ‘Flesh Impact’ (short film). The experiment aimed to leverage AI technology to recreate the legendary actress’s likeness and mannerisms. This initiative occurred amidst increasing discussions within the entertainment industry about the ethical and artistic implications of AI.

Gyllenhaal, known for her directorial work on films like ‘The Lost Daughter’ (2021), ultimately decided against the AI-generated Monroe. She found the human performance by actress Dakota Johnson to be more compelling. Johnson’s portrayal was described by Gyllenhaal as ‘so much more moving, human, alive.’

The AI Experiment and Its Outcome

The decision to investigate AI for Marilyn Monroe‘s portrayal was part of Gyllenhaal’s creative process for ‘Flesh Impact’ (short film, 2026). This film is one of Gyllenhaal’s anticipated directorial releases, alongside ‘The Bride!’ (released March 6, 2026).

The AI recreation of Monroe was intended to capture the essence of the cultural icon. However, the result did not meet Gyllenhaal’s artistic vision. The artificial rendition lacked the depth and emotional resonance she sought for the character.

Dakota Johnson, an active actress and producer, delivered a performance that Gyllenhaal found superior. Johnson’s upcoming films include ‘Verity’ (scheduled for release on October 2, 2026), ‘Materialists’ (released June 13, 2025), and ‘Splitsville’ (released August 22, 2025).

“It was so much more moving, human, alive,” Gyllenhaal stated regarding Johnson’s performance compared to the AI version. This sentiment underscores a broader conversation about the irreplaceable value of human artistry.

Broader Context of AI in Entertainment

The entertainment industry has seen a surge in AI applications. These range from visual effects to scriptwriting and character generation. The use of AI to recreate deceased actors, or to generate new performances, remains a contentious topic.

Various other projects in 2025 and 2026 have explored AI recreation of Marilyn Monroe. These often include disclaimers indicating they are AI-generated artistic interpretations. The distinction between AI-generated content and authentic human performance is becoming increasingly important.

Maggie Gyllenhaal’s experience highlights the ongoing tension between technological advancement and artistic integrity. Her choice reflects a preference for the nuanced and often unpredictable qualities of human acting. This decision resonates with concerns about authenticity and legacy in the digital age.

Gyllenhaal is also serving as jury president at the 83rd Venice International Film Festival. This role places her in a position to influence discussions about the future of cinema and artistic expression.

The Enduring Debate on Authenticity

The debate surrounding AI in creative fields extends beyond individual projects. It touches upon the future of acting, directing, and storytelling. Questions arise about intellectual property, performer rights, and the very definition of art.

The case of Marilyn Monroe is particularly poignant. Her image and persona are deeply embedded in cultural memory. Recreating such an icon, whether through human performance or AI, carries significant weight.

Gyllenhaal’s decision serves as a notable example in this evolving landscape. It suggests that while AI offers new tools, the human element often remains paramount for emotional impact and artistic depth.

The film ‘Flesh Impact’ will now feature Dakota Johnson’s interpretation of the role. This choice reinforces the idea that some artistic expressions require the unique touch of human talent. The project will contribute to the ongoing dialogue about technology’s place in creative endeavors. The Hollywood Reporter initially covered Gyllenhaal’s decision. Further details on Gyllenhaal’s filmography can be found on Wikipedia.