According to Decrypt, Robert Downey Jr., known for his role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has expressed strong opposition to the use of his digital likeness through generative AI. Speaking on the “On With Kara Swisher” podcast, Downey Jr. stated he would take legal action against any future executives who attempt to create a digital replica of him without his consent. He emphasized that he is not concerned about current Marvel Studios executives misusing his character, as he trusts their integrity. However, he remains vigilant about potential future misuse, asserting that his law firm will continue to protect his likeness even after his death.
Downey Jr. has previously had his likeness digitally replicated for action sequences in the “Avengers” films and was digitally de-aged for “Captain America: Civil War.” Despite this, he maintains a minimal emotional attachment to the concept of digital replicas, focusing instead on his real-life experiences. Currently, Downey Jr. is exploring the implications of AI in the Broadway play “McNEAL,” where he portrays a novelist using AI to write his latest work. The play’s writer, Ayed Akhtar, incorporated generative AI in the scriptwriting process, aiming to create a sense of magic and realism in the narrative.
The film industry remains divided over the use of generative AI. Actor Nicolas Cage has criticized the technology as “inhumane,” accusing studios of altering actors' appearances post-production. Under a 2023 agreement between the actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers, studios can create digital replicas with or without the actor’s direct involvement. While an agreement exists for motion pictures, SAG-AFTRA is currently striking over AI use in video game productions. The union seeks to ensure that video game producers obtain consent from performers before using AI to replicate their voices, likenesses, and performances, and to compensate them for the use of their digital replicas in games.
