If the movie industry plans to employ artificial intelligence to replicate the likeness of the late Robert Downey Jr., anticipate a posthumous lawsuit from his estate.
Generally, an actor sharing with colleagues that they'd take legal action against them from the grave (and win) if they used AI to recreate their likeness, is usually associated with a method actor going all out while portraying Sun Tzu in "The Art of War." however, that's not the case with Oscar-winning actor and Marvel star Robert Downey Jr.
On a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast (via Variety), Downey expressed his strong disapproval towards Hollywood using AI technology to create a digital version of his likeness for movie productions. He made it clear that he would sue any executives who dared to propose such an idea.
The news of Downey joining forces with his fellow actors to resist AI is comforting for those worried about his wealth not preventing him from upholding creative and artistic principles. This staunch stand against AI by Downey was not without reason; it stemmed from their discussion about his Broadway debut in McNeal—a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that delves into a writer's struggle with alcoholism, mental health, and an "unhealthy obsession with artificial intelligence." Their conversation later turned towards pop culture, touching upon Downey's return as Dr. Doom in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
In a rather direct way, Downey voiced his suspicion that Marvel wouldn't be so tactless as to use a digital AI copy of his likeness after his demise. It's noteworthy that Disney (via Lucasfilm) is currently involved in a lawsuit for resurrecting the likeness of Peter Cushing as Grand Moff Tarkin in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story."
"To go back to the MCU, I am not concerned about them stealing my character's essence because there are only a few individuals who hold decision-making power there, and they wouldn't do that to me," Downey said.
However, when host Swisher shared a hint of reality, suggesting that future executives would indeed seek to recreate his likeness, Downey vehemently opposed the notion, promising to sue all future executives without any hesitation. Moreover, he assured that his law firm would continue to operate even after his departure.
"I don't envy anyone who's become synonymous with the advent of this new digital age. The notion that this belongs to them because of their massive tech start-ups is misleading," Downey told Swisher, addressing tech CEOs like OpenAI's Sam Altman. "The problem arises when these individuals believe they are the ones in charge of managing this, while simultaneously expecting and/or requiring approval. This is a huge mistake. It makes me dislike them and discourages me from engaging with them because they are not transparent."
In response to discussions about the potential use of AI technology in Hollywood, Robert Downey Jr. expressed his disapproval on the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, stating that he would take legal action against any executives who propose using a digital version of his likeness. This stance aligns with his concerns raised during his Broadway debut in McNeal, where he explored the dangers of artificial intelligence and its impact on creativity and artistic principles.
In light of the ongoing lawsuit against Disney (via Lucasfilm) for resurrecting Peter Cushing's likeness in "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story", Downey's stance against the use of AI technology in recreating his likeness for future movie productions is influenced by his desire to uphold creative and artistic principles, even in the era of advanced technology and digital movies, as highlighted by io9.
