Hollywood has a long history of choosing villains that reflect the anxieties and fears of the time. During the Cold War, it was rogue Russian generals, while during the war on terror, it was jihadist extremists from the Middle East. However, in recent years, the focus has shifted to technology – specifically artificial intelligence (AI).
Many screenwriters now portray AI as an existential threat to humanity. This notion is reflected in films such as “Mission Impossible” and “M3GAN 2.0”, where AI is depicted as a menacing force.
By looking at whom Hollywood chooses as its villains, we can gain insight into the concerns of society. In this case, the fear of AI poses a significant threat to humanity. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, it’s no surprise that filmmakers are using it as a metaphor for the unknown and the potentially devastating consequences of playing with technological fire.
The portrayal of AI in these films serves as a warning about the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. It highlights the need for caution and responsible innovation when it comes to emerging technologies like AI.
Source: https://www.economist.com/culture/2025/06/30/hollywoods-new-favourite-villain