Lisa Kudrow takes a stand against De-Aging technology and Ai filmmaking
- Lisa Kudrow criticizes the use of AI in Robert Zemeckis’s film “Here,”
- She questions the potential for a “living stipend” for people without the need for work.
- Tom Hanks also expressed his views on AI, stating that he could continue acting long after his death with deepfakes and AI tools.
Lisa Kudrow has taken a strong stance against using Artificial Intelligence in filmmaking. In Robert Zemeckis’s latest decade-spanning film “Here”, AI technology was used to create younger versions of stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, reuniting them with their “Forrest Gump” director. During her recent appearance on the “Armchair Expert” podcast, the “Friends” actress criticized the film for endorsing AI.
“They shot the scenes and immediately viewed playback showing the actors as their younger selves,” Lisa Kudrow explained, summarizing the film’s approach. “To me, this felt like an outright endorsement for AI,” she added.
Lisa Kudrow clarified that her criticism wasn’t aimed at AI for “ruining” the film but stemmed from her concern for future actors, who might be relegated to “licensing and recycling” their likenesses.
She emphasized that the increasing reliance on technology in filmmaking could limit opportunities for human creativity. “If this continues, what work will remain for human beings? Then what?” she questioned.
Lisa Kudrow continued questioning the implications of AI in filmmaking, saying, “There’ll be some kind of living stipend for people, and you won’t have to work? How can that possibly be enough?”
Sony Pictures released “Here” in theaters this November, but the film performed poorly at the box office, earning only $13 million worldwide.
Despite its commercial struggles, the movie stands out for its visual effects. Earlier this month, “Variety” reported that “Here” is among 20 films competing for a spot on the Oscars shortlist for Best Visual Effects. It is also one of three films to utilize AI-driven de-aging or synthetic human effects.
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” previously made it to the Oscars shortlist for using de-aging technology to make Harrison Ford appear younger. In 2023, Tom Hanks made headlines during an appearance on the “Adam Buxton Podcast” with his surprising views on artificial intelligence.
The Oscar-winning actor stated that, thanks to deepfakes and AI tools, he could continue acting long after his death. “I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that’s it, but performances can go on and on and on,” Hanks said at the time.
