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Robert Downey Jr. Threatens Legal Action Against AI Recreating His Likeness
Robert Downey Jr., known for his iconic role as Iron Man, is taking a stand against the use of AI to resurrect actors digitally. He has expressed his intention to sue any future executives who attempt to recreate his likeness without his permission, particularly after his death. This bold stance comes in response to the growing trend of using AI to bring back deceased actors, as seen in films like “Alien: Romulus,” which featured a controversial deepfake of Ian Holm.
Downey’s concern extends beyond his own career. He acknowledges that this is a significant issue facing the entertainment industry and believes that legal action is necessary to protect actors’ rights and control over their own image. He emphasizes that while he’s not overly anxious about the possibility of his likeness being hijacked by the MCU, he recognizes the broader implications of this technology.
Interestingly, Downey’s current Broadway debut in the play “McNeal” tackles this very issue. The play explores the story of an author who uses a chatbot to write his autobiography, raising questions about the role of AI in creative fields and the potential for its misuse. Downey sees his involvement in the play as a way to engage with and understand this evolving technology. He believes that the information age phenomenon of AI will inevitably be reckoned with, and he’s actively participating in the conversation through his work.
I'm Annelise, a film lover and pop culture obsessive sharing my thoughts on movies, fashion, and lifestyle on Instagram. Follow along for film reviews, book recommendations, and a healthy dose of geeking out over all things pop culture.
