Lisa Kudrow Raises Concerns

In a recent episode of the "Armchair Expert" podcast, actress Lisa Kudrow voiced her concerns about director Robert Zemeckis' new film, "Here." The movie, which brings together the beloved stars of "Forrest Gump," Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, floundered at the box office, earning only $13 million worldwide since its release by Sony Pictures in November. Kudrow's main criticism centers around the film's heavy reliance on de-aging technology, suggesting it serves as an endorsement for artificial intelligence in the film industry.

Kudrow's Take on AI in Acting

Kudrow pointed out that the technology used in "Here" allows actors to see themselves portrayed as younger versions of themselves in real-time during filming. "All I got from that was, this is an endorsement for AI," she lamented. "What will be left for human actors? What about aspiring talents? They might just become licenses for recycling previous performances."

Concerns for the Future of Acting

She emphasized her worry for the future of acting, stating, “What will there be for human beings? We might end up with a living stipend where people won’t need to work, but is that really enough?”

AI in the Oscars Conversation

"Here" is currently among the contenders for the Oscars shortlist for Best Visual Effects, alongside other films employing similar AI-driven de-aging techniques, including "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," which also featured machine-learning technology for Harrison Ford's character.

Tom Hanks on AI's Potential

Adding to the conversation, Tom Hanks made headlines earlier this year by discussing the potential of AI to allow him to continue acting indefinitely, even after his passing. "Anyone can recreate themselves at any age with AI or deep fake technology," Hanks stated. "If I were to be hit by a bus tomorrow, my performances could live on. The challenge lies not only in the artistry but also the legal implications."

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Hanks noted that negotiations among industry guilds, agencies, and legal firms are underway regarding the ownership of one’s likeness and voice as intellectual property in the age of AI-generated content. He acknowledges the potential for AI recreations to not perfectly reflect reality but questions whether audiences will care about those distinctions. "Some people won't make that delineation at all," he remarked.

The Ongoing Debate

As the debate over AI's role in the film industry continues, artists like Kudrow and Hanks underscore the critical need for a dialogue about the future of creativity and authenticity in entertainment. Will AI eventually overshadow human talent, or can both coexist? Only time will tell.