Sometimes a show just can’t end. When “Stranger Things“ ended mere weeks ago, we didn’t know we’d still be reporting on elements of the show’s finale. First there were ridiculous reports about a secret extra episode, then the featurette about the finale, and then controversy about that featurette hinting at ChatGPT use. Neither Netflix nor series creators the Duffer Brothers have responded to the AI controversy, but the director of the featurette has.
“One Last Adventure: The Making of Stranger Things 5“ showcases a lot of behind the scenes footage about what went into creating this final season, with a number of scenes that showcase the writing process. Director Martina Radwan was asked about their experiences around the set and yes, the subject of AI was brought up.
Radwan was asked if she ever personally saw AI being used in the writing process. She responded, asking if anyone is “even sure a ChatGPT tab was open.” The Hollywood Reporter retorted that “the internet seems sure,” and Radwan dove into an explanation we theorized previously; it could’ve been used for research purposes.
“How can you possibly write a storyline with 19 characters and use ChatGPT, I don’t even understand,” Radwan said. A valid point- ChatGPT can barely juggle a conversation with one person, let alone mapping out multiple character arcs. As that wasn’t a direct answer, the interviewer pressed further, asking Radwan directly if she witnessed use of generative-AI.
“No, of course not. I witnessed creative exchanges. I witnessed conversation. People think ‘writers room’ means people are sitting there writing,” Radwan responded. “No, it’s a creative exchange. It’s story development. And, of course, you go places in your creative mind and then you come back [to the script]. I think being in the writers room is such a privilege and such a gift to be able to witness that.”
It should be noted Netflix and the Duffer Brothers were asked for comment about the controversy for the article, but did not respond. We suspect even if they did comment, it wouldn’t be enough to quell the controversy. The idea of AI being in and around the writing process, even if it’s not actively being used, is full of complicated creative and ethical issues. So even if we never get complete answers, at the very least it’s generating a vital conversation.
You can watch the documentary, as well as all of “Stranger Things,” on Netflix now.
