Disney Has Employed AI Face-Scanning Technology since at Least 2018, as Confirmed by an Actress, Was Kathleen Kennedy Aware?

Star Wars remains one of the most influential franchises in history. Whether you’re a fan or not, its impact is undeniable, with familiar names and titles known worldwide. Since Disney acquired Lucasfilm, the franchise has undergone changes, not always positive, but has also expanded, resulting in a wealth of new Star Wars content. Among these productions is the widely acclaimed series ‘The Mandalorian,’ featuring Pedro Pascal in the lead role.

The series has enjoyed global success but has also sparked controversy, particularly with the dismissal of Gina Carano. Now, another potential controversy looms as an extra has disclosed a noteworthy practice employed by ‘The Mandalorian’ producers.

This report stems from an interview with Nicole Kreuzer, an extra from the first season of ‘The Mandalorian’ (filmed in 2018), published by ‘Capital & Main.’ Kreuzer revealed a peculiar practice: phones were locked away to prevent leaks, and actors underwent extensive face scanning with over 100 cameras.

Such measures are integral to the show’s CGI-heavy production, which prioritizes digital effects over risky stunts. However, according to Kreuzer, this was just one aspect of their meticulous process.

Specifically, it appears the producers intended to scan extras’ faces to potentially use them digitally in the production, possibly reducing the need for as many physical extras—a practice Kreuzer found objectionable. She felt pressured to comply out of fear for her job and future opportunities.

Ironically, despite promises of additional work on the series and a daily salary of $170, Kreuzer and others who underwent the scanning did not receive further opportunities. Compounding her frustrations, she was unable to contact her union as her phone was locked away during filming.

“Could they make me be in a sexual situation with another scanned person? Could they make me protest for something that I would never believe in in real life?”

Source: Capital & Main

This raises a valid concern, particularly given the recent events that led to the SAG-AFTRA strike, resulting in new contracts and tighter restrictions on the use of AI in filmmaking processes involving real individuals.

The question on everyone’s mind is: did Kathleen Kennedy know? While she may not be directly responsible for such practices, as the overseer of all Star Wars projects, it seems unlikely she was unaware of them. Decisions of this nature typically require her oversight before implementation. The acceptance of these practices by Disney (and Lucasfilm) years ago is concerning, but the hope is that the new SAG-AFTRA strike contracts will provide better protections for all involved in the filmmaking process.

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