AI Technology Can Never Replace Canine Actors, Says Director Robert Vince
May 10, 2026 | Burma Independent Voice
Robert Vince, the director currently helming “Air Bud Returns,” has asserted that the genuine emotions displayed by canine actors can never be replicated by artificial intelligence.
Vince recalled a poignant moment on set with Roscoe, a Golden Labrador starring in the film. During a scene where human characters were crying, Roscoe did not merely look anxious as scripted but intuitively immersed himself in the emotional atmosphere of the scene.
The 64-year-old director, who has directed more than a dozen films featuring dogs, noted that while audiences are initially drawn to new technologies, they ultimately seek a deep emotional connection with characters. “When visual effects first emerged, everyone was fascinated, leading to a surge in superhero films,” Vince pointed out. “But eventually, the novelty wears off.”
Scheduled for release in 2027, “Air Bud Returns” is the latest installment in a popular franchise that began in 1997. The series, centered on a basketball-playing dog, serves as a nostalgic touchstone for today’s parents who grew up watching the original films.
In this upcoming production, Roscoe’s basketball skills were captured entirely through practical filming without the use of CGI.
Despite growing concerns in Hollywood regarding AI-driven job displacement, Vince remains firm in his belief that the warmth and empathy conveyed by human or animal performers are irreplaceable. “You won’t get any feeling from AI,” he stated decisively.
