Not Even Over My Dead Body: Robert Downey Jr. Issues Strong Warning to Movie Execs Against Using AI to Replicate His Image

In the last several years, AI has become a problem or a solution in the movie industry, depending on how you look at it. Many people involved with the creative process fear that AI will take over the jobs that human actors, writers, and crew members do. If studios use AI to create characters or write scripts, it could mean fewer jobs for real people.

There are also concerns about who owns the rights to AI-generated content. If an AI creates a character or a script, it’s unclear who gets credit or payment for that work.

AI was also one of the major arguments in the recent SAG-AFTRA strike that paralyzed the industry and kickstarted plenty of changes regarding how things are done. Besides these monetary and creative concerns, AI also raises some moral and ethical issues.

For example, if an actor has passed away, should studios be allowed to bring them back using AI? This can feel wrong to many people – and Robert Downey Jr. is one of those people.

RDJ was recently a guest on “On with Kara Swisher” podcast and he raised some arguments against attempts to use his likeness to fuel AI. The actor was straightforward – he attempts to sue.

The actor stated that even after his death, his law firm will remain active and ready to take action against anyone who violates his wishes.

There’s two tracks. How do I feel about everything that’s going on? I feel about it minimally because I have an actual emotional life that’s occurring that doesn’t have a lot of room for that.

To go back to the MCU, I’m not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul because there’s like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway and they would never do that to me, with or without me

I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec… […]But my law firm will still be very active

Source: On With Kara Swisher

Downey also talked about his long-term investment in AI companies. He said it’s not just about the technology or making money. He wants to know who is involved in these companies and if they have good values. He also considers why they are using the technology if their leadership is reliable, and if he can learn from the experience. So, he feels neutral about these issues.

What do you think about RDJ’s stance? Let us know in the comments below!

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