Actress Mila Ershova has declared that artificial intelligence will not replace human actors in the near future, citing the irreplaceable depth of real human feeling. The screen star made the comments following the October release of her new comedy series My Friend - AI on digital streaming platforms Okko and Wink.
Speaking in an interview with Gazeta.Ru, Ershova acknowledged that while modern technology can generate convincing digital imagery and mimic emotional responses, the essence of the acting profession extends far beyond vocal delivery or simulating sentiment. She explained that true performance stems from an individual performer's inner world, lived experiences, personal tribulations, and genuine vulnerability.
According to the actress, the core value of dramatic performance lies precisely in human imperfection. Ershova noted that every human being possesses a unique and unequal measure of natural talent and technical capability, adding that this very asymmetry is what makes watching living performers compelling for audiences.
Addressing the broader adoption of cutting-edge technology across the film industry, Ershova said she welcomes digital tools that enhance visual effects and computer graphics for the benefit of a production. When asked about her personal habits, she revealed that she regularly uses ChatGPT to seek everyday practical advice and draft formal letters.
Filming Two Weeks After Childbirth
The conversation also shed light on the unusual circumstances behind Ershova's casting in My Friend - AI, which premiered in October. She revealed that she agreed to join the comedy production just two weeks after giving birth to her child.
Her husband, actor Svyatoslav Rogozhan, had already been cast as the leading man in the series. During pre-production, Rogozhan frequently shared his impressions with her at home and read out comical excerpts from the script. Ershova recalled that she initially engaged with the material strictly as an enthusiastic listener, since her recent childbirth meant she was not being considered for any roles.
The situation changed abruptly when Rogozhan returned home from a day on set and asked her directly whether she possessed the physical strength, mental energy, and personal desire to join the production.
Ershova explained that the creators had conceived her character as a narrative surprise and an unexpected plot twist, with potential to become a central figure if the series is renewed for a second season. The producers were seeking an actress capable of anchoring future storylines, and having worked with Ershova previously on the youth drama Difficult Teenagers, they extended an immediate offer. Describing herself as an adventurous performer, she chose to accept the challenge.
On-Screen Partnership with Svyatoslav Rogozhan
Filming the series marked another collaboration between Ershova and Rogozhan, who share an extensive theatrical and television background. Ershova stated that performing alongside her husband provides immense comfort on set, noting that their shared artistic history allows them to communicate through a simple glance.
The couple first met as drama school classmates, where they rehearsed countless acting etudes, scenes, and stage productions together before co-starring in several major theatrical plays. They subsequently spent five years working together on the popular streaming series Difficult Teenagers. Ershova remarked that their artistic alignment is so seamless that she would gladly appear with her husband in every future project.
Artistic Intuition and Television Screenwriting
When evaluating potential roles, Ershova revealed that she relies almost entirely on her internal instincts, explaining that her intuition rarely steers her wrong. During auditions and initial table reads, she pays close attention to physical reactions, observing whether dialogue comes naturally or feels awkward and forced. She noted that when lines resist memorisation and her body stiffens, it signals that the character is not a natural fit.
Regarding commercial prospects, the actress insisted that predicting whether a television show will become a major hit or suffer a quiet defeat has become impossible. She pointed out that an enormous volume of original series now enters distribution every month, while major world news events can instantly overshadow entertainment releases. Consequently, she chooses projects based solely on creative passion, seeking scripts she wants to re-read, dialogue she longs to perform, and collaborative crews she enjoys meeting each morning.
The comedy also reunited Ershova with screenwriter Aleksey Vorobyov, who previously penned Difficult Teenagers when that drama launched seven years ago in 2019. Reflecting on the passage of time, Ershova observed that both she and the creative team have evolved considerably through accumulated experience, broader cultural literacy, and lessons drawn from past errors and triumphs. She described working with Vorobyov as exceptionally straightforward and joyful, noting their mutual creative respect.
Commenting on the sudden celebrity brought by Difficult Teenagers, Ershova said she does not actively monitor or manage her fame. She recalled that the young ensemble focused on having fun, experimenting, and bringing sincerity to the set rather than seeking commercial popularity, which ultimately helped forge a deep bond with viewers.
Historical Drama Half-Life and Atomic History
Alongside her comedic work, October also saw the release of Half-Life, a sweeping historical drama that Ershova described as the absolute opposite of My Friend - AI. The series dramatises the largest nuclear military exercises conducted in the Soviet Union, which took place in 1954 near the rural settlement of Totskoye, following the fortunes of a family caught up in the atomic tests.
Ershova portrayed a woman who witnesses and participates in the harrowing historical events. Filming took place on location across remote Russian villages, forests, and countryside fields, an experience she remembers with profound gratitude. She noted that intense, high-stakes dramas offer greater artistic stimulation, adding that navigating complex emotional layers helps her develop as a dramatic actress.
Although acclaimed actress Anna Mikhalkova also stars in Half-Life, Ershova explained that the two performers did not share any scenes because their characters exist in separate historical timeframes. However, she recalled enjoying their prior collaboration on the feature film Lottery, describing Mikhalkova as a brilliant and generous performer from whom fellow actors can continually learn.
Personal Rest and Future Directorial Ambitions
Discussing her approach to public scrutiny, Ershova stated that online hostility and unprovoked criticism have no impact on her peace of mind. She explained that she only values critiques that are reasoned, offered by respected peers, and explicitly requested by her, while arbitrary internet hate simply passes her by. She also stated that she holds no regrets regarding any artistic project in which she has taken part.
To recuperate between demanding filming commitments, the actress explained that leaving Moscow or departing the country entirely offers the only genuine rest. She noted that residing in the capital constantly exposes an artist to casting calls, phone meetings, and professional duties that clutter the mind even during periods without active shooting schedules.
Looking toward the next stage of her career, Ershova expressed a desire to tackle increasingly challenging dramatic roles. While she mentioned an interest in eventually writing screenplays, directing, or producing her own projects, she emphasised that those aspirations belong to the distant future, noting that she is currently only keeping an eye on those creative avenues.
