This debate, which could well be the script for a movie, is at the heart of ‘Day One’, the new series from Prime Video and 3Cat that promises to keep us glued to the screen. Behind it is Pau Freixas, known for being the creator of the international phenomenon ‘Polseres Vermelles’.
At the busy premiere of the series, amid spotlights and blue carpet, we chatted with the cast. We asked them the questions we all have: what do they really think about AI? And, while we were at it, how would they survive an apocalypse in the middle of Barcelona? The answers from Jordi Mollà, Asier Etxeandia, Mireia Oriol, Iván Massagué, and Mercè Martínez were as varied as they were direct.
Technology and AI: friends or foes?
When asked about technological advances, opinions were divided, showing that this topic generates as much fascination as it does suspicion. Jordi Mollà was clear, distinguishing between the tool and its application: “I’m afraid of the use of technology, but not technology itself.” A reflection that focuses on human responsibility, a key point that the series also explores.
At the other extreme, we find a self-confessed technophobe: Asier Etxeandia. With great humor, he didn’t mince his words. “I hate it. I’m a textbook boomer,” he confessed with a laugh. For him, digital progress has a dark side. “I’m terrified of having to talk to machines, the lack of personal contact with people, and how dangerous it can be to be in the hands of irresponsible people.” His opinion on ChatGPT was even more direct: “It’s annoying and it’s a ‘time-waster.’ Talking to a machine… what for? No, no, no.”
Taking a more optimistic view, Mireia Oriol advocated finding a balance. “I try to put everything into perspective. I think that technology, when used well and in the right hands, can be a very good tool,” she explained. For his part, Iván Massagué brought the debate into his professional field. “In my profession, we are beginning to consider it. What will happen? If Brad Pitt sells his rights, it’s Brad Pitt. If I sell mine, no one will be interested,” he joked, although with an underlying sense of real concern. “I want to think that we are not that crazy,” he concluded.
Finally, Mercè Martínez surprised us with her own experience. Although she wonders if AI will ever have “true consciousness,” she has found a practical use for it. “I put my texts into ChatGPT, and sometimes it highlights things that I might not have highlighted myself. Not to generate ideas, but to clarify,” she admitted.
An apocalypse in Barcelona
Inspired by the plot of ‘Day One’, we couldn’t resist asking them what they would do if they had to take refuge in Barcelona during a catastrophe. Asier Etxeandia, true to his roots, was very clear: “With all my love for Barcelona, which I love, but if I were to die, I wouldn’t go to Barcelona: I would go to my fucking home in Bilbao. And if I have to die here, then I hope it’s looking at the sea.”
Others, however, would stay. Iván Massagué believes he would be “paralyzed,” although he added ironically: “We’re so crazy that I’d still have dinner. You’d find me dancing!” Mireia Oriol would opt for a more intimate plan: “I’d stay at home with my partner and my dog, and I’d make myself a nice dinner, like the good Taurus that I am.”
Mercè Martínez found the perfect refuge in her great passion: “What could be better than a movie theater? If I have to spend the last night, a movie theater is a good place.” And speaking of events that bring the city to a standstill, we took the opportunity to ask them about the Mobile World Congress. While Iván sees it as an “important economic revolution,” Mercè sighed as she recalled the traffic: “Do you know it took me almost an hour to get here? Barcelona is gridlocked.”
