In an unassuming move emblematic of Hollywood’s evolving tech playbook, Netflix has deployed generative artificial intelligence in the production of its highly anticipated sci-fi series The Eternaut, multiple sources close to the project reveal. The adaptation of the iconic Argentine comic, set in a snow-blanketed Buenos Aires besieged by extraterrestrial horrors, now carries a cutting-edge footnote: generative AI tools were used to design alien creatures, dystopian landscapes, and intricate visual effects—all without fanfare from the streaming giant.
Industry insiders confirm that Netflix’s VFX teams leveraged AI to accelerate rendering times and generate complex assets, from the series’ menacing "El Gordo" aliens to the radioactive snowscapes central to its apocalyptic narrative. "It wasn’t about replacing artists," notes one anonymous VFX supervisor. "It was about scaling the impossible. The comic’s world is staggeringly detailed—AI helped us iterate faster while preserving the creators’ vision."
This quiet adoption arrives amid lingering tensions in the entertainment industry. The 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes highlighted fears that AI could undermine human creatives, with guilds fighting for stringent safeguards. Netflix’s low-key approach to The Eternaut suggests a tactical shift: deploying AI where it’s least visible to audiences but most efficient for budgets. Critics argue such secrecy risks normalizing AI’s role without transparent discourse. "If studios hide these tools, they evade accountability," warns filmmaker and AI ethicist Lina Torres. "Artists and viewers deserve to know how stories are made."
Financial Wins Amid Creative Experimentation
Netflix’s foray into generative AI aligns with a broader strategy balancing innovation with profitability. Recent earnings underscore this duality
The company’s Q2 2025 report reveals advertising revenue doubled year-over-year, buoyed by its ad-supported tier and strategic partnerships. Analysts suggest cost efficiencies from AI-assisted production—like those in The Eternaut—could further bolster margins. "AI reduces iteration costs for high-concept projects," says media analyst Raj Patel. "That financial flexibility lets Netflix invest in bolder content while pleasing shareholders."
Yet the series’ creative leads emphasize human oversight. Director Ana Morales (Money Heist) insists AI was "a collaborator, not a creator," used solely to visualize co-creator Héctor Germán Oesterheld’s 1950s source material. Early footage shown to test audiences reportedly blends practical sets with AI-enhanced backdrops, creating a seamless hybrid aesthetic.
As The Eternaut nears its 2026 premiere, Netflix’s stealthy AI experiment reflects a calcifying industry truth: generative tech is here to stay, but its success hinges on balancing efficiency with artistry. For viewers, the snow may look colder and the aliens more haunting—but the real story lies in how machines helped build them.
The Eternaut streams globally on Netflix in early 2026.
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