Darren Aronofsky Recreates Revolutionary War With AI in ‘On This Day… 1776’ Series

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Award-winning director Darren Aronofsky is creating a new streaming series that uses artificial intelligence to realistically recreate scenes from the Revolutionary War. Known for his innovative filmmaking – starting with his first film, the unsettling Pi, in 1998 – Aronofsky has consistently pushed boundaries with movies like The Fountain starring Hugh Jackman, Mother! with Jennifer Lawrence, and his unique interpretation of the biblical story of Noah. Following his more recent, traditionally-styled film Caught Stealing, Aronofsky’s next project aims to bring a fresh look at American history to streaming viewers.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, director Darren Aronofsky is teaming up with TIME magazine and Google DeepMind to create a new series for TIME‘s YouTube channel. Aronofsky will executive produce through his AI-focused production company, Primordial Soup. The series, titled On This Day… 1776, will explore important events from 1776 in short-form episodes, released on the 250th anniversary of each event.

The new show, On This Day… 1776, will feature narration by SAG actors and visuals created with artificial intelligence. The creators describe it as a blend of classic filmmaking and new AI technology. The first two episodes, premiering this Thursday, will depict George Washington raising the first American flag and Benjamin Franklin’s reaction to meeting Thomas Paine. The show aims to

Instead of seeing the Revolution as inevitable, we should understand it as a delicate undertaking, its outcome determined by the actions of those who participated.

What Is the Future of AI in Hollywood?


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Artificial intelligence is creating a complicated situation in Hollywood. Some filmmakers, like Darren Aronofsky, are excited about what AI can offer, as seen with shows like On This Day… 1776. However, others believe AI threatens the creative process, since it learns by using the work of existing artists. This also raises concerns for actors and the SAG-AFTRA union, leading to recent strikes and negotiations with studios. High-profile actors like Scarlett Johansson and Cate Blanchett have even launched campaigns to highlight these issues.

The AI performer Tilly Norwood recently made headlines when she signed with an agent and began looking for work. Although the studio that created her was technically acting as her agent, this event raised concerns about the future and could lead to more AI performers entering the entertainment industry. Many actors have criticized Norwood and the growing acceptance of using AI to replace human actors in film and television. Despite the rapid advancement of AI technology, it still isn’t perfect and has limitations that prevent a complete takeover of the industry. However, with filmmakers like Aronofsky experimenting with AI, many worries about its impact remain.

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The recent statement from the creators of Norwood – that actors should allow AI to replicate their likeness or risk becoming obsolete – is causing concern. Although some actors, like Bruce Willis, have already agreed to let AI use their image, this raises troubling questions about the future of entertainment. While innovative shows like On This Day… 1776 showcase the potential of AI, this technology is entering a sensitive period for the industry.

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2026-01-29 21:32