Hollywood icon Tom Hanks has recently voiced his concerns over the unauthorized use of an AI-generated version of himself in a dental advertisement. The actor took to Instagram to clarify that he had no association with the said advertisement and warned his followers about the misleading content.
Key Highlights:
- Tom Hanks warns about a dental ad using an AI version of him without his consent.
- The actor shared a photo of an AI-generated younger version of himself on Instagram.
- The use of AI to create virtual actors has been a contentious topic in Hollywood.
- Hanks had previously discussed the potential implications of AI in the acting industry.
- The actor’s likeness was previously recorded for the 2004 movie “The Polar Express.”
In a recent post on his verified Instagram account, Hanks shared an image that appeared to be an AI representation of his younger self. Accompanying the image was a warning: “BEWARE! There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.” The authenticity of the dental advertisement in question remains unverified, and CNN has reached out to Hanks’ representatives for further clarification.
The rise of AI in creating virtual actors has stirred debates in Hollywood. Such advancements have led to concerns about the potential misuse of technology, especially when it comes to replicating actors without their permission. The Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has expressed concerns that studios might exploit this technology to replace real actors, thereby depriving them of fair compensation.
Hanks, in a previous interview with the Adam Buxton podcast, had touched upon the ramifications of AI in the entertainment sector. He mentioned that discussions were underway among movie agents about drafting contracts to safeguard actors’ likenesses as intellectual property. Reflecting on the potential of AI, Hanks pondered, “Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are by way of AI or deep fake technology. I could be hit by a bus tomorrow, and that’s it. But my performances can go on and on and on.”
While acknowledging the limitations of AI in replicating the nuances of his performances, Hanks questioned whether audiences would discern the difference or even care. Drawing from his experience with the 2004 film “The Polar Express,” where his likeness and movements were digitally captured, Hanks remarked, “We saw this coming. We saw that there was going to be this ability to take zeros and ones inside a computer and turn it into a face and a character.”
The AI Conundrum in Hollywood:
The unauthorized use of Hanks’ likeness underscores the broader challenges posed by AI in the entertainment industry. As technology continues to evolve, the lines between reality and virtual representations blur, raising ethical and legal dilemmas.
In Conclusion:
The incident involving Tom Hanks serves as a stark reminder of the potential pitfalls of AI in the realm of entertainment. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the industry must grapple with the implications of AI-generated content and the importance of safeguarding the rights and identities of individuals.
