One of the oldest concerns in the world in some of the best sci-fi movies also happens to be one of the most timely: the alleged threat of A.I. Netflix’s new action blockbuster Atlas portrays that threat in the form of Simu Liu’s antagonist Harlan; the dangerous party Jennifer Lopez’s titular character is supposed to hunt down. But even with all of the explosions and ethical debates this 2024 movie promises to deliver on, I’m starting to think a pivotal supporting character is about to steal the show.
You know how people are afraid of A.I. stealing the jobs of humans? Well, the full trailer for this Brad Peyton directed adventure may have just given the opposing side more ammunition. Although, the character of Smith would probably oppose my previous statements, as it claims to be a “computer program” over an A.I.
Either way, you can see in the picture below that whenever they enter the room, they leave quite a glow:
That caveat aside, the wise cracking digital presence feels like it’s going to be a huge part of J. Lo’s perilous mission to neutralize Simu Liu, before he potentially launches an attack on humanity. Yes, there’s a greater mission at hand, and in a lushly realized sci-fi world no doubt.
But let’s talk more about why Smith just might be an equal to the acting talents of Atlas co-stars like Mark Strong and Sterling K. Brown. And for those of you freaked out about a potential A.I. actor playing this role, you can relax. Real human performer Gregory James Cohan, known for roles in projects such as Blue Bloods, 9-1-1: Lone Star, and The VelociPastor, is the actual voice of Smith.
And believe it or not, he kind of lucked into the role. Director Brad Peyton told Netflix’s in house publication Tudum about how Cohan’s casting came to be, through this amusing anecdote:
Initially, we wanted a temporary voice actor to sit in the booth and talk opposite Jen for all the dialogue, just to have someone present, and then we’d worry about casting later. So Greg came in, he read the entire movie, and the more we heard him doing Smith, the more we realized he’s perfect for the role.
Peyton’s claim of perfect casting is spot on, because Gregory nails the tone of an adaptive digital intelligence slowly befriending a human being. Not to mention, the moment where Smith shows Atlas that he technically learned how to swear through her is a fun moment that has me convinced these two are going to be bonded as friends before Atlas has concluded.
Smith’s standout role in this footage does also highlight a fun angle to discuss after seeing how Atlas plays out. With Simu Liu’s Harlan representing a supposedly nefarious A.I., and Smith being a computer program of a more benevolent nature, how is this movie going to sell Jennifer Lopez’s potential evolution on the matter? It looks like we’re meant to believe that Atlas is going to learn a lesson in coexistence before all is said and done, so now the question is how and why?
Whatever the answers may be, the presence of Gregory James Cohan as Smith will undoubtedly go a long way to building that case. So far it sounds like he’ll do such a good job that we’ll be talking about him after the credits have rolled, and now all we have to do is wait to see if we’re right.
Atlas will take its place on the schedule of 2024 Netflix movies and TV release dates, when it debuts on May 24th. Though if you need something exciting to jump into before then, you’ll want to check over that schedule to be sure you haven’t missed anything.
If you're keyed up to see this upcoming movie, don't forget to keep your Netflix subscription current! You'll be able to enjoy these unique Memorial Day weekend fireworks in the comfort of your own home, but only if you're subscribed.
