Netflix Used an AI-Generated Christopher Nolan Voice to Showcase This Year’s Accomplishments at a Party

Dan Lin has been heading Netflix’s film division since April, stepping into a tough spot after Scott Stuber’s departure. Stuber had earned a reputation for being very talent-friendly, investing heavily in projects and attracting big names. Lin, on the other hand, has a different approach. His goal is clear: cut costs. This has already led to several conflicts with Hollywood’s top talent.

Lin’s blunt and low-key style hasn’t won him many fans, of course. As Puck reports, Lin caused controversy recently for using an AI-generated voice by Christopher Nolan, who’s known for refusing to work with Netflix, to narrate a video celebrating the division’s achievements.

This choice seems ironic, considering Nolan’s long-standing opposition to the streaming giant. Netflix confirmed the use of A.I. Nolan but declined to comment on the matter.

Since taking over, Lin has greenlit roughly 25 films, including some high-profile projects. One of them is a White House thriller directed by Kathryn Bigelow, featuring Ben Affleck and Matt Damon.

Another major project is Greta Gerwig’s upcoming Narnia movie, which will include a theatrical release as part of the deal. The film is expected to have an exclusive Imax window at the end of 2026 if production stays on schedule.

But not everything is smooth sailing for Lin. Peter Morgan, the creator of Netflix’s acclaimed show The Crown, clashed with him over a potential film version of his Broadway play Patriots. After a tense meeting with Lin in London, Morgan reportedly told Netflix’s content chief, Bela Bajaria, that he wanted nothing to do with Lin moving forward.

David Ellison, CEO of Skydance, has also been at odds with Lin over budget issues on several projects. Legendary’s Mary Parent, the producer behind Enola Holmes, has also expressed frustration, as Lin is reportedly holding the budget for the third film in the popular series below what Parent considers appropriate.

It’s not just big producers and creators that are upset. Adam Sandler and Tyler Perry are also said to have grievances related to Lin’s handling of projects. While it’s not unusual for someone in Lin’s position to face pushback, the number of high-profile complaints seems to be stacking up.

Lin’s approach is more about setting limits than offering huge incentives like theatrical releases or big budgets. This could be a smart move, especially as Hollywood’s landscape changes and studios shift their focus away from lavish spending.

However, it’s a tricky balance. Top-tier talent may be harder to convince to work with Netflix without the perks of big budgets or traditional theater releases.

With all these tensions, Netflix’s next moves in film will be interesting. Lin and his deputy, Doug Belgrad, are under pressure to deliver results, but they will have to manage these disputes carefully. As the company navigates a new chapter under Lin’s leadership, it remains to be seen how the relationship between Netflix and Hollywood’s top talent evolves.

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