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Robert Downey Jr., known for playing Iron Man, will sue anyone who uses artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate him on screen after he dies. Speaking on the “On With Kara Swisher” podcast, Downey discussed his concerns about AI in Hollywood.
“I intend to sue all future executives just on spec,” he said. When Swisher pointed out he wouldn’t be alive for these cases, he replied, “But my law firm will still be very active.”
AI tech has gained popularity in movies, especially in “resurrecting” deceased beloved actors. Downey’s stance on AI reflects the questions about consent and respect for actors. Recently, actor Ian Holm was digitally recreated in Alien: Romulus with permission from his estate. But Downey has made it clear he does not approve of such re-creations.
Downey trusts that Marvel Studios, the company behind Iron Man, would honor his wishes and not bring his Tony Stark character back through AI. “I am not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul because there’s like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway, and they would never do that to me,” he said.
He said his feelings for the current onslaught of digital recreation are “minimal.” He explained that he has an actual emotional life, which leaves no room for discourse about AI.
Downey is currently performing McNeal on Broadway. The play tackles the growing influence of AI and the power of tech leaders. During the podcast, he also critiqued tech CEOs who, he says, try to present themselves in a favorable light while using AI in questionable ways.
“The problem is when these individuals believe that they are the arbiters of managing this but meanwhile are wanting and/or needing to be seen in a favorable light. That is a massive error,” he said, directing his comments toward leaders he believes aren’t fully honest.
Aside from Downey, numerous actors also had predicaments concerning AI use. Actors in the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) recently went on a four-month strike, demanding protection against AI. The strike resulted in studios requiring actors’ approval before using their likenesses. This was a key win for actors wanting control over their images and enabled Downey to take his stance.
Scarlett Johansson, Downey’s Avengers co-star, has similar worries. She criticized OpenAI for creating a voice assistant that sounded like her own voice from the film Her. After refusing OpenAI’s requests, she called the similarity “shocking and angering.”
Downey’s views may encourage more actors to take similar steps to protect their rights as AI continues advancing in entertainment. Both he and Johansson are vocal about the importance of consent, suggesting that future AI use in Hollywood will need to prioritize respect for actors over mere technological convenience.
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