The director of the documentary ‘Stranger Things’ weighs in on this controversy ChatGPT

One last adventure: the making of Stranger Things 5 arrived on Netflix earlier this week, and as it becomes clear there is no secret ninth episode coming – as intense speculation on the Internet had suggested—disappointed fans instead turned to scrutiny of the documentary for answers, clarity, and fuel for further speculation. Well, “Conformity Gate” can move aside, because “ChatGPT Gate” is the new hot topic.

The controversy arises because eagle-eyed viewers spotted what appear to be ChatGPT tabs visible on a computer used by one of the Duffer brothers. As part of One last adventureWith behind-the-scenes access, viewers see what it looked like in the Stranger Things writers’ room as the team, including the Duffers, frantically attempts to finish the script for episode eight, “The Rightside Up,” under pressure from Netflix and the show’s production team.

Talk to One last adventure director Martina Radwan, the hollywood reporter asked her if she had ever seen generative AI used by the show’s writers. His first response: “I mean, are we really sure they opened ChatGPT?”

She then added: “Well, there’s a lot of discussion where [social media users] are like, “We don’t really know, but we’re guessing.” » But to me it’s like hasn’t everyone opened it to do a quick search?

(The answer is Nobut we are moving away.)

However, there is a difference between “research” and “screenwriting,” as Radwan pointed out. “How can you write a screenplay with 19 characters and use ChatGPT, I don’t even understand.”

She continued. “Again, first of all, no one has actually proven that it’s open. It’s like having your iPhone next to your computer while you’re writing a story. We’re just using these tools… while multitasking. So there’s a lot going on all the time, every time. What I find heartbreaking is that everyone loves the show, and all of a sudden we have to break it up.”

Radwan, who spent an entire year entangled in Stranger Things– confirmed that she had never seen generative AI being used unethically by the show’s writers.

“No, of course not. I’ve witnessed creative exchanges. I’ve witnessed conversations. People think ‘writers room’ means people are sitting there writing. No, it’s a creative exchange. It’s the development of a story,” she said, “and, of course, you go into your creative mind and then you come back.” [to the script]. I think being in the writers’ room is such a privilege and such a gift to be able to witness it.

Radwan addressed some other scary scenes captured in One last adventure and also responded to “Conformity Gate”, so definitely head over to THR to read the entire piece.

io9 reached out to Netflix for comment or clarification on whether it was actually ChatGPT that viewers spotted in the documentary, as well as allegations that generative AI was used as part of the Stranger Things writing process. We will update this article if we receive a response.

Want more io9 news? Find out when to expect the latest news Wonder, Star WarsAnd Star Trek exits, what is the next step for the DC Universe in cinema and televisionand everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.