Soulless AI, ‘CODA,’ Tom Hanks, Oscars, and Emotion: Mexico’s Eugenio Derbez on Acting and Producing
Mexican actor, producer, and director Eugenio Derbez (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/eugenio-derbez-the-valet-coda-interview-1235152822/) (CODA, Radical) shared his journey through the entertainment industry, from comedy to drama, and the rise of producing as chairman and co-founder of 3Pas Studio during a keynote at the fifth edition of Iberseries & Platino Industria in Madrid, Spain (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/madrid-film-tv-series-spain-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-1236378511/). The event, held on the third day of the festival, brought together industry leaders and fans alike, with Derbez offering deep insights into the future of film and the role of technology in storytelling.
Derbez was asked about artificial intelligence’s impact on the entertainment sector, predicting a surge in AI-driven projects. Yet, he emphasized that technology cannot replicate the genuine emotion human actors bring to roles. "AI doesn’t have a soul," he stated, according to an English translation of his remarks. He warned: "In the future, we’ll pay more to watch a film produced by humans than one made by AI. At the end of the day, we want to go to the movies to see two people connect—something that touches your heart, not just your eyes." His conclusion echoed the debate: "AI will help us create stunning effects impossible before, but it also carries a shadow. Until now, it lacks emotion and soul."
The star avoided naming Tilly Norwood, the AI actress criticized by Hollywood labor unions (https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sag-aftra-slams-ai-actress-tilly-norwood-xicoia-union-1236388942/), but his comments fit into a broader conversation sparked by rumors that talent agencies were exploring her. Derbez also reflected on his early Hollywood career, where his Mexican flair often felt too niche for U.S. audiences. "I’d say, ‘Look, I’m number one in Mexico.’ But they’d ask, ‘What have you done in Hollywood?’" he recalled, highlighting how the gatekeepers of Hollywood once dismissed his work as too regional.
When asked about his shift from comedy to drama, Derbez explained, "I wanted to do something deeper. I didn’t necessarily aim to become a producer, but I had to push forward on projects I loved. CODA, for example, helped me secure bigger roles. After winning Oscars, I was able to make Radical, a film no one originally wanted to invest in. It follows sixth-grade students in a Mexico City school struggling with violence and hardship, as a new teacher tries a different approach. "I used to be the comedian, the funny one, but when I did comedy, nobody cared," he said. "When I did CODA and Radical, I started getting invited to parties. I’ve always been a fan of Tom Hanks, Jim Carrey, and Robin Williams—actors who moved from comedy to drama and found their footing. "When you do comedy, you become Mr. Actor," Derbez concluded.
He also emphasized authenticity as a key to success, sharing his experience moving from Mexico to the U.S. at age 52. "I had to do that. I knew it was the right move." His producing work, he admitted, is as unpredictable as the ideas he pitches. "Every day, I receive pitches, but how do you know if an idea is good?" he asked. "Local humor doesn’t travel. Now you’re working with global streaming platforms. We serve a worldwide audience. In the past, Hollywood was the king; if you didn’t produce in English, your movie wouldn’t reach the world. From COVID, everything changed." Derbez cited shows like Squid Game, Money Heist, Parasite, and Rome as examples of universal stories driven by emotion. "What makes an idea universal?" he asked, "It’s emotion. If you connect with the audience, the show or movie will travel." The success of E.T. was due, in part, to its emotional resonance with viewers.
Derbez’s career spans decades, from comedic sketches to blockbuster dramas, and his reflections offer a nuanced view of the evolving film industry. Whether discussing AI’s role, the challenges of cross-cultural storytelling, or the importance of authenticity, his insights remain relevant. As the debate over AI’s place in cinema continues, Derbez’s words remind us that while technology can enhance creativity, the human touch—empathy, connection, and soul—remains irreplaceable.
