Lisa Kudrow Criticizes Tom Hanks' AI-Driven Film 'Here' as Threat to Acting Profession

Lisa Kudrow's Critique of AI in Film

Former "Friends" star Lisa Kudrow has sparked controversy by criticizing Tom Hanks' latest film "Here" as "an endorsement for AI." The movie, directed by Robert Zemeckis, utilizes advanced de-aging technology to portray its stars, Hanks and Robin Wright, at various stages of life 1

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The Technology Behind 'Here'

"Here" employs Metaphysic Live, an AI-driven tool that enables real-time de-aging and face-swapping of actors. This technology allows filmmakers to shoot scenes and immediately view playbacks of the actors appearing younger, a capability that Kudrow finds particularly concerning 3

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Kudrow's Concerns

Speaking on the "Armchair Expert" podcast with Dax Shepard, Kudrow expressed deep reservations about the implications of this technology:

1. Threat to emerging talent: "What about up-and-coming actors? They'll just be licensing and recycling," Kudrow warned 1

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2. Job security: She questioned, "What work will there be for human beings?" highlighting concerns about AI's potential to replace human labor 2

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3. Societal impact: Kudrow speculated on broader implications, asking, "There'll be some kind of living stipend for people, you won't have to work? How can it possibly be enough?" 1

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Industry Reactions and Developments

The use of AI in film production has become a contentious issue in Hollywood:

1. Actors' and writers' strikes: AI protections were a key point of negotiation during the 2023 industry strikes 1

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2. Tom Hanks' perspective: Hanks has acknowledged the potential of AI to extend actors' careers beyond their lifetimes, noting both artistic and legal challenges 2

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3. Industry adoption: Metaphysic, the company behind the AI technology used in "Here," has partnered with talent agency CAA to develop AI tools and services 3

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'Here' and Its Reception

"Here," which reunites Hanks and Wright 30 years after their collaboration in "Forrest Gump," has faced mixed reactions:

1. Box office performance: The film reportedly underperformed, grossing $13 million worldwide 2

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2. Critical response: Some critics, including The New York Post's Johnny Oleksinski, have been harsh, calling it a "nauseating bomb" 2

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3. Actors' enthusiasm: Despite the controversy, both Hanks and Wright expressed excitement about the project and working with Zemeckis again 2

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Broader Implications for the Entertainment Industry

The debate surrounding "Here" reflects larger concerns about AI's role in entertainment:

1. Creative control: Questions arise about the ownership and control of actors' likenesses in an age of AI replication 2

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2. Industry transformation: Actor Matthew Modine described the situation as "the AI tsunami crashing upon the shores of the entertainment industry" 3

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3. Ethical considerations: The industry grapples with balancing technological innovation and preserving the essence of human performance in filmmaking 1

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As AI continues to advance, the entertainment industry faces the challenge of adapting to new technologies while addressing the concerns of actors, writers, and other creative professionals.