Acclaimed actor Tom Hanks has sparked a conversation about the future of cinema and its intersection with artificial intelligence (AI). In a recent statement, Hanks suggested that AI technology could be utilized to recreate his image and persona, thereby extending his career in film indefinitely – even beyond his demise.
While this concept may seem far-fetched to some, Hanks acknowledged the ongoing discussions within the film industry about the potential use and impact of AI. He noted the importance of establishing legal definitions for an actor’s intellectual property rights, particularly in relation to their face and voice, as a means of protection from misuse of the technology.
The concept of digitally recreating actors is not entirely new. Hanks himself starred in the 2004 film ‘The Polar Express’, which was the first movie entirely animated using digital motion-capture technology. Since then, Hanks observed, the capability to recreate faces and characters from data has grown exponentially.
Hanks also suggested that AI technology could usher in a new era for actors, allowing them to pitch a series of movies in which they can appear at any age. In theory, this means that performances could continue indefinitely, even after an actor’s death.
While Hanks recognized the potential of AI in extending an actor’s career, he also raised questions about artistic integrity. He expressed concerns that AI could lead to him appearing in films he might not usually choose. Furthermore, he questioned whether audiences would care if they could tell the performance was AI-generated.
The use of similar technology is not confined to the realm of cinema. In the latest Indiana Jones film, Harrison Ford was “de-aged” for the opening sequence using AI technology. This has sparked debates and caused dilemmas within the music industry, too.
Artists have had mixed reactions to the use of AI in music creation. A song created using the cloned voices of popular artists Drake and The Weeknd was pulled from streaming services. Meanwhile, musician Grimes has publicly encouraged others to use her voice to create music with AI.
The potential of AI to reshape the entertainment industry is vast and largely untapped. As with any new technology, it brings with it a host of challenges and dilemmas. However, it also opens up exciting new possibilities for how we create and consume media. The idea of an actor’s career extending beyond their lifetime may seem surreal, but as technology continues to advance, it might just become a reality.
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Article Title: Artificial Intelligence and the Afterlife of Cinema: The Enduring Career of Tom Hanks?
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