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Natasha Lyonne, celebrated for her role in ‘Poker Face,’ is set to direct and star in ‘Uncanny Valley,’ a compelling new science fiction film that delves into the potential of generative AI. Lyonne is collaborating with virtual reality visionary Jaron Lanier and co-writer Brit Marling (‘The OA’) on this ambitious project.

‘Uncanny Valley’ tells the story of a teenage girl whose life is irrevocably altered by a popular virtual reality game. Lyonne and Marling will both star in the film, which promises cutting-edge visual effects created by Asteria, an AI-focused production company co-founded by Lyonne and Bryn Mooser. Asteria is utilizing Marey, a generative text-to-video AI model from Moonvalley, which is purported to be trained on licensed material, ensuring fair compensation for creators.

Lyonne has expressed her excitement about the collaboration, drawing parallels between the film and the iconic Wachowski projects, envisioning it as a profound exploration akin to ‘The Matrix’.

The film’s emergence comes at a pivotal time, amidst ongoing discussions about the ethical implications of AI within the entertainment industry. While concerns surrounding copyright and job displacement persist, Asteria aims to set a new standard by employing an AI model trained on licensed content, potentially mitigating some of the controversies.

While details regarding the film’s release and distribution remain undisclosed, ‘Uncanny Valley’ highlights the burgeoning trend of AI integration within Hollywood’s production processes. The emphasis on compensated, licensed material could pave the way for a more sustainable and ethical approach to AI-driven filmmaking.