Is AI the Future of Filmmaking?

Netflix’s latest sci-fi epic, The Electric State, is making waves not just for its star-studded cast—including Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt—but for how it’s redefining visual effects. The film is one of the first major Hollywood productions to integrate AI-generated 3D avatars directly into real-world cinematography, using Wonder Studio, a new AI-powered VFX tool from Wonder Dynamics.

Co-founded by actor/producer Tye Sheridan (Ready Player One) and VFX supervisor/filmmaker Nikola Todorovic, Wonder Dynamics is positioning itself as a disruptor in the industry, making high-end CGI and visual effects more accessible and affordable than ever before.

“We are filmmakers who, like many others in our industry, didn’t have the budget for the kind of sci-fi films we wanted to make. Therefore, we set out to create AI tools that eliminate the significant cost barriers,” said Nikola Todorovic, CEO of Wonder Dynamics.

This shift is a game changer—not just for massive productions like The Electric State, but for independent creators and studios who have long struggled with the financial and technical barriers of CGI-heavy filmmaking.

What Makes Wonder Studio Different?

Traditionally, inserting digital characters into live-action films required motion capture suits, specialized rigs, and labor-intensive frame-by-frame animation—an expensive and time-consuming process. Wonder Studio, however, automates 80%–90% of the VFX work, drastically reducing costs and streamlining production.

Key features include:

No MoCap Required – The AI extracts motion, lighting, compositing, and camera movement from a single live-action shot, seamlessly integrating 3D characters without specialized hardware.

AI-Powered Workflow – Filmmakers can swap out actors for digital avatars without needing advanced 3D software skills.

Seamless Integration – Exports to major VFX tools like Maya, Unreal, Blender, and Nuke, making it a powerful addition to existing pipelines.

Filmmaker Joe Russo (Avengers: Endgame), an advisory board member for Wonder Dynamics, sees it as a major leap forward:

“Wonder Dynamics’ technology is a game changer for filmmakers, and it’s the right step towards a future in which AI can be a powerful and additive tool in an artist’s repertoire.”

The Russo Brothers, who are producing The Electric State, are already leveraging Wonder Studio’s AI-driven workflow to create high-quality CGI characters with minimal traditional VFX labor.

What AI Means for the Future of Filmmaking

The integration of AI-powered 3D avatars into major productions like The Electric State signals a new era for digital characters and immersive storytelling.

Lower Costs, Higher Accessibility – AI is breaking down financial barriers, allowing smaller studios to create CGI-driven films without Hollywood budgets.

Blurring the Line Between Real and Digital – The ability to seamlessly inject avatars into real-world cinematography will change how we think about on-screen performances.

The Democratization of VFX – As AI tools become more intuitive, the power to create stunning, high-end visuals will no longer be limited to major studios.

Wonder Dynamics is currently offering beta access to select artists, signaling that this technology will soon be available to a much wider audience of filmmakers.

As AI continues to evolve, the question is no longer whether digital avatars and AI-driven filmmaking will be the future—it’s how quickly the industry will adapt.

What do you think? Are AI-generated avatars the next big shift in cinema?