Innovabble Posted October 29 Posted October 29 The man who brought Tony Stark to life isn't playing around when it comes to protecting his digital identity. Robert Downey Jr. recently made headlines on the On With Kara Swisher podcast with a crystal-clear message to Hollywood: create an AI replica of him without permission, and you'll find yourself in court. The Oscar-winning actor, while expressing trust in Marvel Studios' ethical handling of his character, isn't taking any chances with other industry players. "I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," Downey Jr. declared, showcasing the same quick-witted determination that made his portrayal of Iron Man legendary. His concerns aren't merely hypothetical. Currently starring in the Broadway play McNeal, the actor is actively engaging with AI-related themes that challenge corporate giants in the AI space, including OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. He sharply criticized tech leaders who claim ownership over AI advancement through their startups, calling out those who position themselves as AI's arbiters while seeking favorable public perception. "That is a massive fucking error," he stated bluntly, adding that such lack of truthfulness makes him reluctant to engage with them. The timing of his stance is particularly interesting as he prepares to switch sides in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, trading in his hero's mantle for the role of the notorious Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, slated for release in 2026. This transformation, performed by the actor himself rather than an AI duplicate, reinforces his commitment to authentic, human-driven performances. Downey Jr.'s bold stance serves as a wake-up call for an industry racing to embrace AI technology. As Hollywood continues to explore digital frontiers, his message is clear: innovation must not come at the cost of actors' rights to control their own likenesses. While the actor's position highlights the critical need for ethical guidelines and consent in entertainment's digital future, it begs the question: in the age of AI, what's the real price of digital immortality? https://deadline.com/2024/10/robert-downey-jr-artificial-intelligence-mcu-1236160706/ https://ew.com/robert-downey-jr-confident-marvel-would-not-create-ai-likeness-of-him-8735815 https://variety.com/2024/film/news/robert-downey-jr-bans-hollywood-digital-replace-lawsuit-1236192374/ https://www.nme.com/news/film/robert-downey-jr-plans-to-sue-all-future-executives-who-make-ai-replicas-of-him-3807324 Image: Starstock | Dreamstime.com Quote
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