‘Fargo’ Creator Noah Hawley Warns: AI is a Growing Threat to Creativity

Noah Hawley, the mastermind behind the acclaimed TV series “Fargo,” has voiced concerns about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting both its potential and its dangers.

"I’m a human being telling stories to other human beings. Decency isn’t something an algorithm can replicate, and moral courage can’t be coded into a formula," Hawley shared during an interview at the Primetime Emmy Awards last month. "So, while I’m not necessarily worried about AI replacing the creative essence of our best work, on another level, we have a fight on our hands. AI, combined with the darker side of capitalism, is something we need to be cautious about."

Hawley's comments came just before a wave of AI-related legislation reached California Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. On September 17th, Newsom signed two key bills that offer protection to actors, both living and deceased, from unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. The first, AB 1836, restricts AI from recreating the likeness of deceased actors without estate approval, while AB 2602 enhances consent requirements for using living actors’ likenesses for AI replicas.

“We are in uncharted waters when it comes to AI and digital media's impact on entertainment, but our priority has always been to protect workers,” Newsom stated. “This legislation ensures the entertainment industry can continue to thrive, while protecting actors from unwanted use of their likeness.”

SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher celebrated the new laws, saying, “This is a monumental victory not only for SAG-AFTRA members but for all performers. With these new AI protections, California has set a precedent that the rest of the nation may follow.”

Despite this victory, not all AI-related bills passed. Newsom vetoed SB 1047, a bill designed to introduce stringent regulations on large AI systems. Newsom argued that the bill’s broad scope imposed excessive restrictions, stating, "While well-meaning, the bill overlooks whether an AI system is used in high-risk environments or involves sensitive data, applying strict standards to even the most basic systems."

This veto has raised questions about the future of AI regulation. Jeffrey Bennett, General Counsel of SAG-AFTRA, expressed disappointment, saying, "Why not implement sensible safety protocols now, before these powerful AI systems can cause widespread issues?"

Both California and Tennessee have enacted AI bills this year aimed at protecting performers, and a revised version of the No Fakes Act was also reintroduced in Congress. As the entertainment industry grapples with AI’s rapid evolution, legislation continues to develop to keep pace.

The Motion Picture Association—which represents major studios including Netflix, Disney, Warner Bros., and others—praised the passage of the California AI bills, acknowledging the importance of these regulations in an era of accelerating AI advancement.