Ice Cube Criticizes “Critical” for Shooting Without Director or Actors Present

September 14, 2025

Ice Cube Details Unusual Production of ‘War of the Worlds’ Remake

Los Angeles, CA – In a surprising revelation, Actor and Rapper Ice Cube shared details about the unconventional filming process of his recently released science fiction thriller, War of the Worlds. the film, a reimagining of the H.G. Wells classic, was reportedly shot with a highly limited on-set presence due to the constraints of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic.

Pandemic Protocols Led to remote Production

Ice Cube, who stars as Will Radford, explained during a livestream interview that the production team circumvented traditional filmmaking methods to continue work during widespread lockdowns. “This is a movie I did in 2020 during the pandemic, five years ago,” Ice Cube stated. “we shot it in 15 days, and it was during the pandemic, so the director wasn’t in there, none of the actors [were] in there. This was the only way we could really shoot the movie.It’s pandemic time.”

The actor emphasized that the film’s aesthetic, largely composed of surveillance footage, was a direct result of these limitations. He suggested that, in a real-world invasion scenario, individuals would likely rely on screens for information, mirroring the film’s visual style.

A Unique Take on a Classic Story

War of the Worlds has a long history of adaptations, beginning with the 1938 Orson Welles radio broadcast, followed by film versions in 1953 starring Gene Barry, and a 2005 blockbuster directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Cruise. This latest iteration, now streaming on Prime Video, utilizes a contemporary lens, exploring themes of technology, surveillance, and privacy.

Despite the innovative production approach, the film received a critical drubbing upon release. It initially premiered with a dismal 0% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, though it has since slightly improved to 4% based on 48 reviews.

Adaptation	Year	Director/Key Figure
Radio Broadcast	1938	Orson Welles
Film	1953	Byron Haskin
Film	2005	Steven Spielberg
Film	2025	Rich Lee

However, audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes offer a somewhat more favorable outlook, with a 21% rating based on over 2,500 verified viewer reviews. Critics described the film as “an inept screensaver with wall-to-wall product placement,” while some viewers found it to be a “guilty pleasure.”

Behind the Scenes: From Universal to Prime

War of the Worlds began as a Universal Pictures production before being acquired by Amazon Prime Video. Ice Cube explained that the unique nature of the footage-sourced from surveillance cameras globally-contributed to the extended post-production timeline. “Well, it was a Universal movie and they sold it to Amazon Prime. And it took a minute to finish the movie because of how it’s shot. All the footage is from real surveillance cameras all around the world. So they had to build all that s—.”

Did You Know? The film’s director, Rich Lee, is best known for his work creating music videos for artists like Eminem, Lana Del Rey, and Maroon 5.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a film that pushes the boundaries of filmmaking techniques, War of the Worlds offers a fascinating case study in adapting to unprecedented challenges.

The Evolution of Alien Invasion Narratives

The concept of an alien invasion has captivated audiences for over a century, evolving alongside our fears and technological advancements. From the initial panic sparked by Orson Welles’ radio broadcast to the large-scale spectacle of modern blockbusters, the genre continues to resonate with audiences. This ongoing fascination reflects our anxieties about the unknown and our place in the universe. With the rise of complex visual effects and the increasing accessibility of global dialog, filmmakers are constantly finding new ways to explore this enduring theme.

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘War of the Worlds’

• What is ‘War of the Worlds’ about? It’s a reimagining of the classic H.G. Wells novel, focusing on an alien invasion seen through the lens of modern surveillance technology.
• Who stars in the 2025 ‘War of the Worlds’ film? Ice Cube leads the cast, alongside Eva Longoria, michael O’Neill, and Iman Benson.
• How was the film made during the pandemic? the film was shot remotely, utilizing footage from surveillance cameras and minimizing on-set presence.
• What has been the critical reception to ‘War of the Worlds’? Critics have been largely negative, but audience scores are somewhat more positive.
• Where can I watch ‘War of the Worlds’? The film is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
• Was a director involved in the production of the film? Yes, Rich Lee directed the film, although production was limited due to pandemic restrictions.
• What themes does this version of ‘War of the Worlds’ explore? The film touches on themes of technology, surveillance, and privacy in the context of a large-scale alien invasion.

What are your thoughts on unconventional filmmaking methods like those used for this production? Do you think the unique circumstances impacted the final product?

What potential legal ramifications could arise from using an actor’s digital likeness without their full consent, as highlighted in the article?

Ice Cube has publicly voiced his disapproval of the recent filming practices employed during the production of “Critical,” a new action thriller. the core of his criticism centers around the decision to proceed wiht shooting scenes without a director present on set and, at times, without actors physically present – relying heavily on stand-ins and digital effects. This unconventional approach has sparked debate within the film industry regarding creative control, actor safety, and the future of filmmaking.

The Controversy Unfolds: What Happened on Set?

Reports surfaced earlier this week detailing the unusual conditions on the “Critical” set. Sources indicate that several action sequences were filmed with minimal directorial oversight, with instructions relayed through production assistants. More controversially, scenes requiring complex choreography were initially blocked out using stand-ins, with the intention of digitally replacing them with the actors’ likenesses later in post-production.

This method, while potentially cost-effective, raises significant concerns about:

* Actor Representation: The ability of actors to authentically portray their characters is compromised when their physical presence isn’t required during filming.

* Creative Vision: The absence of a director raises questions about the consistency and quality of the film’s artistic direction.

* Safety Protocols: Filming action sequences without experienced supervision increases the risk of accidents and injuries, even for stand-ins.

ice cube’s Direct Response: A Call for Respect

ice Cube, known for his outspoken nature and decades-long career in both music and film, didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts on the matter.In a recent social media post, he stated, “You gotta respect the craft. You can’t just replace people with digital ghosts and call it filmmaking. Where’s the artistry? Where’s the soul?”

His comments resonated with many in the industry, fueling a wider conversation about the ethical implications of increasingly relying on digital technology in film production. The actor’s stance highlights a growing concern that prioritizing cost-cutting measures could ultimately diminish the quality and integrity of cinematic storytelling. This isn’t the first time concerns about digital actors and virtual production have been raised,but the scale of the reported issues on “Critical” is particularly noteworthy.

The Rise of Virtual Production & Digital Doubles: A Trend or a Threat?

The use of virtual production techniques, including digital doubles and motion capture, has been steadily increasing in recent years, driven by advancements in visual effects technology. Films like “The Irishman” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” have successfully employed these methods to de-age actors or recreate historical figures. However, these applications were typically used for specific, limited purposes, always under the careful guidance of a director and with the full involvement of the actors.

The “Critical” situation represents a potentially more radical departure from traditional filmmaking practices. While proponents of this approach argue it allows for greater flexibility and efficiency, critics worry about the potential for:

* Devaluation of Acting: Reducing the need for actors on set could lead to fewer job opportunities and a decline in the perceived value of their skills.

* Loss of Nuance: Capturing the subtle nuances of human performance is challenging even with the best technology. Relying solely on digital replacements could result in emotionally flat or unconvincing portrayals.

* ethical Concerns Regarding Image Rights: The use of an actor’s digital likeness without their full consent raises complex legal and ethical questions.

Industry Reactions & Potential Legal Ramifications

The Screen Actors Guild – American federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has reportedly launched an investigation into the production practices on “Critical.” The union is concerned about potential violations of it’s safety protocols and the terms of its collective bargaining agreement.

Legal experts suggest that actors could potentially have grounds to sue the production company if they believe their image rights have been infringed upon or if they were subjected to unsafe working conditions. The case could set a precedent for future disputes involving the use of digital technology in filmmaking. Film production contracts are