David Dastmalchian Explores the Dark Side of AI in AFRAID – Interview

Exploring fear and AI with David Dastmalchian.

David Dastmalchian is rapidly becoming a household name in Hollywood, known for his compelling performances in a variety of genres. His latest project, Afraid, promises to be another standout role for the versatile actor. Dastmalchian stars alongside John Cho, Katherine Waterston, and Keith Carradine in the AI-driven thriller directed by Chris Weitz. Now playing in theaters, Afraid explores the darker side of AI technology when a family invites an advanced home assistant into their lives, only to find themselves at its mercy. Watch my conversation with Dastmalchian below!

Memorable performances in both blockbuster films and indie gems have marked Dastmalchian’s career. He first garnered attention with his chilling portrayal of Thomas Schiff in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, which led to roles in major franchises like Marvel’s Ant-Man series, where he played the quirky yet lovable Kurt. Dastmalchian also made a splash in DC’s The Suicide Squad as the tragic yet darkly comedic Polka-Dot Man. Most recently, he appeared in Oppenheimer, Dune, The Boogeyman, and The Last Voyage of the Demeter, showcasing his range across genres from horror to historical epics.

The actor continues to captivate audiences with his unique ability to bring depth to his characters.

In Late Night with the Devil, Dastmalchian played Jack Delroy, a 1970s late-night host whose show goes disastrously wrong, unleashing terror on the nation. His portrayal was both chilling and empathetic, earning him critical acclaim at the SXSW festival.

An abridged version of the AFRAID interview is below.

Sean:

I wanted to give you major props for Late Night with the Devil. Your performance as Jack Delroy was national treasure-level. I was sold when I saw your panel at San Diego Comic-Con last year—it was my first time there, and seeing you as Jack Delroy was a major highlight. After watching the movie, I need more of him in any capacity!

David Dastmalchian:

Thank you, Sean. I’m so proud of that film and grateful to be part of it. It was such a joyful experience, and the overwhelming response was humbling. I’m also proud that it was the first feature co-production of my company, Good Fiend Films. We’re focused on making comic books, movies, and TV shows with genre storytelling but complex characters and ideas.

Sean:

I’m really excited for your next venture. I spoke with the directors of that film, and they had high praise for you and your performance. Your latest film, Afraid, centers around AI, and I love films about the dangers of AI. Are you more of a tech-savvy guy who embraces smart devices, or do you keep them at a distance?

David Dastmalchian:

I don’t keep tech at a distance, but I’m definitely not tech-savvy. I love how technology can help our lives. As a creative person, I use my computer to put together mood boards, Pinterest boards, and visual references, and hyperlink videos for my screenplays or comic scripts. But, I’ll be damned if I still can’t figure out how to send a text message properly or download a file! The older I get, the worse it becomes. With the singularity approaching and tech evolving rapidly, I fear I’m only going to get worse.

Sean:

What drew you most to Afraid and your role? Your eye for roles is always different from most actors, so I’m curious about how this project caught your attention.

David Dastmalchian:

What first drew me to the project was Chris Weitz. He’s an incredible storyteller and a wonderful person. We met at Horror Vibes Cafe in North Hollywood and talked about cinema, art, and his vision for this film. I fell in love with him and the character he wanted me to play, Lightning. Chris gave me latitude to explore what a new-age tech guru genius could look like, not just the buttoned-up Silicon Valley type we’ve seen before.

Sean:

You always bring a piece of yourself to your characters, which is one of the reasons I love seeing your work. What’s one thing you love and hate about AI today?

David Dastmalchian:

What I love about AI is that it shows we’re still on the edge of technological advancements beyond our comprehension. What I fear is that AI could override the human element in processes, whether labor or creative. While humans make mistakes, we learn from them, and mistakes are the foundation of art, creativity, and evolution. I’m wary of ceding too much control to non-human entities in the quest for perfection.

Sean:

Do you have a favorite classic film about AI?

David Dastmalchian:

2001: A Space Odyssey by Stanley Kubrick is one of my favorite films of all time. It perfectly explores the horror of giving too much control to computers. That film is the golden standard for exploring AI.

Sean:

You’re known for your love of the horror genre. Do you remember the first horror film you watched, and how did it make you feel?

David Dastmalchian:

The first horror film I ever watched was The Curse of the Werewolf, the Hammer classic starring Oliver Reed. I saw it on Kansas City’s late-night Nightmare Theater, hosted by Crematia Mortem, and it hooked me for life. Since then, I’ve always loved monsters—werewolves, Frankenstein, Dracula, The Invisible Man, and The Mummy. It’s a miracle, and I never take it for granted, that I get to spend so much time playing with monsters.

Sean:

David, it’s been an absolute pleasure. I’m still waiting to see Count Crowley become a live-action or animated series.

David Dastmalchian:

That’s one of my biggest dreams! Keep an eye out—Knights vs. Samurai from Image Comics drops on September 25th, and Creature Commandos from DC Comics comes out in December. And make sure to go see Afraid in theaters. I just watched it again, and I’m so excited for everyone to see what Chris did with it. It’s a really cool, fun movie!

Looking ahead, Dastmalchian will dive back into the DC Universe.

You can catch his voice in the upcoming James Gunn-produced animated series Creature Commandos. The project is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see what Dastmalchian brings to the table in this darkly comedic take on superhero lore. With a slate of upcoming roles that are as diverse as they are exciting, including his work in Afraid, Dastmalchian continues to prove himself as one of the most intriguing actors of his generation. Make sure to grab your tickets to AFRAID here.

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