Tony Gilroy’s Bold Stand Against AI: Why the Andor Creator Won’t Publish His Scripts

In a move that has sparked widespread discussion, Tony Gilroy, the showrunner behind the critically acclaimed Star Wars series Andor, has decided not to publish the show’s scripts. Despite having a 1,500-page collection ready for release, Gilroy cited concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) as the primary reason for his decision. This announcement, made on March 19, 2025, highlights the growing tension between creatives and the rapid advancement of AI technology.

Gilroy had initially planned to launch a free website featuring all of Andor’s scripts and concept art, a project he announced at an Emmy event in 2023. However, his perspective shifted as AI’s capabilities became more apparent. In a candid statement, he said, “AI is the reason we’re not. It’s just too much of an X-ray and too easily absorbed. Why help the robots anymore than you can?” This bold stance reflects a broader unease within the creative industry about the potential misuse of their work by AI systems.

AI Concerns in Hollywood: A Growing Divide

Gilroy’s decision is part of a larger conversation about AI’s role in the creative industry. While some, like Disney CEO Bob Iger, see AI as a tool to “make us better and tell better stories,” others are far more skeptical. Christopher Nolan, the visionary director behind films like Inception and Oppenheimer, has called the lack of accountability in AI a “terrifying possibility.” Similarly, Charlie Brooker, the creator of Black Mirror, dismissed a ChatGPT-generated script as “shit,” underscoring the limitations of AI in replicating human creativity.

Despite these concerns, major studios are embracing AI. Lionsgate partnered with AI startup Runway in September 2024 to develop machine learning models using its extensive movie and TV catalog. Disney has also formed an internal team to explore AI and mixed reality applications. These moves have raised questions about the balance between innovation and the protection of creative rights.

Union Strikes and Legal Protections

The debate over AI’s role in Hollywood reached a boiling point during the 2023 strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). Lasting 148 and 118 days, respectively, the strikes were fueled by demands for protections against AI-written scripts and unauthorized digital replicas of actors. Both unions successfully negotiated contracts with AI-related safeguards, but these agreements are set to expire in 2026, leaving the door open for future conflicts.

On the legislative front, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills in September 2024 aimed at protecting performers from unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas. These measures are a step forward, but many argue that more comprehensive protections are needed as AI continues to evolve.

Legal Battles Over AI and Copyright

The creative industry’s fight against AI isn’t limited to Hollywood. High-profile lawsuits are challenging the use of copyrighted materials to train AI models. The New York Times is suing OpenAI for copyright infringement, while a coalition of writers, including George R.R. Martin (Game of Thrones), has filed a separate lawsuit against OpenAI and Microsoft. Another group of authors is taking on Anthropic, alleging that its AI models were trained on a dataset containing unauthorized copies of their works.

AI companies argue that using copyrighted materials for training falls under fair use, but the legal debate remains unresolved. These cases could set important precedents for how intellectual property is protected in the age of AI.

The Human Impact of AI on Creativity

Tony Gilroy’s decision not to publish the Andor scripts is a powerful reminder of the human cost of AI’s rise. For creatives, the fear isn’t just about losing jobs—it’s about losing control over their work and the stories they’ve poured their hearts into. As the industry grapples with these challenges, one thing is clear: the conversation about AI’s role in creativity is far from over.

In the end, Gilroy’s stand is a call to action for the creative community to protect their work and ensure that human creativity remains at the heart of storytelling. Whether through legal battles, union negotiations, or personal decisions like Gilroy’s, the fight to preserve the integrity of art in the age of AI is just beginning.