Steven Soderbergh Plans to Use “A Lot of AI” in New Film with Wagner Moura

Steven Soderbergh, one of contemporary cinema’s most influential and prolific directors, may not release a new project this year for the first time in many years. However, this break isn't due to a lack of creative ideas; rather, financial hurdles are delaying his upcoming work. These challenges are prompting Soderbergh to explore innovative solutions, including the integration of artificial intelligence into his filmmaking process. ### New Project in the Works: War, Power, and Relevance The project under development is titled *Ascenso* (“Rise”), a historical drama set against the backdrop of the Spanish–American War. Soderbergh describes it as “a compelling story that has yet to be told,” emphasizing its increasing relevance in today’s geopolitical climate. Despite the compelling concept, *Ascenso* has not yet secured complete funding. The director openly admits that, even with interest from major studios, budget limitations remain a significant hurdle, slowing down the project’s progress. ### Star Power and Market Strategy Wagner Moura, widely recognized for his role in *Narcos*, is already onboard and has garnered multiple awards and nominations in 2026. Yet, Soderbergh emphasizes that securing a single high-profile star isn’t enough to guarantee wide theatrical success. He stresses that an ensemble cast of A-list actors is essential for the film to have a strong presence in cinemas, rather than being relegated to streaming platforms. ### Embracing Artificial Intelligence for Creative and Budgetary Efficiency To reconcile the ambitions of *Ascenso* with financial realities, Soderbergh is turning to cutting-edge technology. He plans to employ “a lot of AI” to drastically cut production costs, making the project more feasible. This approach isn’t merely a cost-cutting measure; Soderbergh considers it a deliberate artistic strategy. He has been experimenting with AI tools to push the boundaries of cinematic expression and believes these technologies can expand the creative horizons of filmmaking. ### Past AI Experiments and Artistic Innovation Soderbergh’s previous work with AI includes a documentary about John Lennon and Yoko Ono, where he incorporated AI-generated imagery to craft “thematically surreal visuals” that deepened the narrative’s emotional and conceptual layers. He notes that working with AI requires meticulous preparation and a thorough understanding of both technical and contextual elements, likening effective use of such tools to an academic discipline. ### Navigating a Transforming Industry Describing the current film industry as a “strange time,” Soderbergh observes that traditional financing methods are becoming less dependable. Rather than viewing this as a crisis, he sees it as an open door for experimentation and innovation. If *Ascenso* progresses, it could become one of the first major films where artificial intelligence plays a central role in the entire production process, marking a significant shift in how movies are made and financed. --- By pushing the boundaries of technology and storytelling, Soderbergh continues to redefine modern cinema, embracing change and exploring new creative frontiers amid industry uncertainties.