Robert Downey Jr. Vows Legal Action Against AI Replicas, Highlighting Hollywood's AI Concerns

Robert Downey Jr. vows legal action against future AI replica use

Robert Downey Jr. has declared that he will sue any future Hollywood executives who try to re-create his likeness using AI digital replicas, as reported by Variety. His comments came during an appearance on the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, where he discussed AI's growing role in entertainment. "I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," Downey told Swisher when discussing the possibility of studios using AI or deepfakes to re-create his performances after his death. When Swisher pointed out he would be deceased at the time, Downey responded that his law firm "will still be very active." The Oscar winner expressed confidence that Marvel Studios would not use AI to re-create his Tony Stark character, citing his trust in decision-makers there. "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. Downey currently performs on Broadway in McNeal, a play that examines corporate leaders in AI technology. During the interview, he freely critiqued tech executives -- Variety pointed out a particular quote from the interview where he criticized tech leaders who potentially do negative things but seek positive attention.

Robert Downey Jr. says he 'intends to sue' all future executives who use his AI replica

LOS ANGELES -- LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Robert Downey Jr. doesn't think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using artificial intelligence. But if they did, he would lawyer up -- even posthumously. On a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intends to "sue all future executives" who allow an AI-created version of him. Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he does not want his likeness recreated by AI technology. "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, with or without me," Downey said. Swisher noted that those executives would eventually be replaced. "Well, you're right," Downey said. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec." "You'll be dead," Swisher said. Downey replied: "But my law firm will still be very active." Representatives for Marvel Studios and for Downey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The discussion comes amid the Hollywood video game performers' strike, which began in July after more than 18 months of negotiations over a new interactive media agreement with game industry giants broke down over artificial intelligence protections. Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have billed the issues behind the labor dispute -- and AI in particular -- as an existential crisis for performers. Concerns about how movie studios will use AI helped fuel last year's film and television strikes by the union, which lasted four months. SAG-AFTRA ultimately signed a deal requiring productions to get the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used. Downey made his Broadway debut this month in "McNeal," a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor plays the titular character, Jacob McNeal, an acclaimed novelist whose battles with alcoholism and mental illness culminate at a crucial juncture in his career. "I don't envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age," Downey said. "The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy." The podcast episode explored questions the play raises about truth and power in the age of AI, and whether there is a "social contract" related to the use of AI. Downey's upcoming role as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.

Robert Downey Jr. says he 'intends to sue' all future executives who use his AI replica

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Robert Downey Jr. doesn't think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using artificial intelligence. But if they did, he would lawyer up -- even posthumously. On a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intends to "sue all future executives" who allow an AI-created version of him. Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he does not want his likeness recreated by AI technology. "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, with or without me," Downey said. Swisher noted that those executives would eventually be replaced. "Well, you're right," Downey said. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec." "You'll be dead," Swisher said. Downey replied: "But my law firm will still be very active." Representatives for Marvel Studios and for Downey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The discussion comes amid the Hollywood video game performers' strike, which began in July after more than 18 months of negotiations over a new interactive media agreement with game industry giants broke down over artificial intelligence protections. Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have billed the issues behind the labor dispute -- and AI in particular -- as an existential crisis for performers. Concerns about how movie studios will use AI helped fuel last year's film and television strikes by the union, which lasted four months. SAG-AFTRA ultimately signed a deal requiring productions to get the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used. Downey made his Broadway debut this month in "McNeal," a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor plays the titular character, Jacob McNeal, an acclaimed novelist whose battles with alcoholism and mental illness culminate at a crucial juncture in his career. "I don't envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age," Downey said. "The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy." The podcast episode explored questions the play raises about truth and power in the age of AI, and whether there is a "social contract" related to the use of AI. Downey's upcoming role as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.

Robert Downey Jr. says he 'intends to sue' all future executives who use his AI replica

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Robert Downey Jr. doesn't think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using artificial intelligence. But if they did, he would lawyer up -- even posthumously. On a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intends to "sue all future executives" who allow an AI-created version of him. Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he does not want his likeness recreated by AI technology. "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, with or without me," Downey said. Swisher noted that those executives would eventually be replaced. "Well, you're right," Downey said. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec." "You'll be dead," Swisher said. Downey replied: "But my law firm will still be very active." Representatives for Marvel Studios and for Downey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The discussion comes amid the Hollywood video game performers' strike, which began in July after more than 18 months of negotiations over a new interactive media agreement with game industry giants broke down over artificial intelligence protections. Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have billed the issues behind the labor dispute -- and AI in particular -- as an existential crisis for performers. Concerns about how movie studios will use AI helped fuel last year's film and television strikes by the union, which lasted four months. SAG-AFTRA ultimately signed a deal requiring productions to get the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used. Downey made his Broadway debut this month in "McNeal," a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor plays the titular character, Jacob McNeal, an acclaimed novelist whose battles with alcoholism and mental illness culminate at a crucial juncture in his career. "I don't envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age," Downey said. "The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy." The podcast episode explored questions the play raises about truth and power in the age of AI, and whether there is a "social contract" related to the use of AI. Downey's upcoming role as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.

Robert Downey Jr. says he 'intends to sue' all future executives who use his AI replica

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Robert Downey Jr. doesn't think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using artificial intelligence. But if they did, he would lawyer up -- even posthumously. On a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intends to "sue all future executives" who allow an AI-created version of him. Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he does not want his likeness recreated by AI technology. "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, with or without me," Downey said. Swisher noted that those executives would eventually be replaced. "Well, you're right," Downey said. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec." "You'll be dead," Swisher said. Downey replied: "But my law firm will still be very active." Representatives for Marvel Studios and for Downey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The discussion comes amid the Hollywood video game performers' strike, which began in July after more than 18 months of negotiations over a new interactive media agreement with game industry giants broke down over artificial intelligence protections. Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have billed the issues behind the labor dispute -- and AI in particular -- as an existential crisis for performers. Concerns about how movie studios will use AI helped fuel last year's film and television strikes by the union, which lasted four months. SAG-AFTRA ultimately signed a deal requiring productions to get the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used. A spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA said that Downey has the right to deny any digital replica uses in film because of California's new law prohibiting the unauthorized replication of a dead performer's likenesses without prior consent. That law, signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, was sponsored by the union. Downey made his Broadway debut this month in "McNeal," a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor plays the titular character, Jacob McNeal, an acclaimed novelist whose battles with alcoholism and mental illness culminate at a crucial juncture in his career. "I don't envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age," Downey said. "The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy." The podcast episode explored questions the play raises about truth and power in the age of AI, and whether there is a "social contract" related to the use of AI. Downey's upcoming role as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.

Robert Downey Jr Says He'll Sue Any Executive Who Makes an AI Replica of Him...Even After He's Dead - IGN

In recent years, we've seen a number of actors express concern about the potential for AI likenesses to be made of them without their consent. Count MCU Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr. among them, but he's taking it a step further. He says he'll sue any executive who tries to make an AI out of him, even after he's dead. Downey Jr. was recently on the On With Kara Swisher podcast to discuss McNEAL, a new one-act play he is currently starring in on Broadway that deals with the question of AI use in literature. During the discussion, Downey Jr. was confronted about the circulation of "deepfakes" of himself and other actors, and the recent SAG-AFTRA strikes over, among other things, AI protections for actors. He was asked by Swisher about the concern that film executives could simply resurrect Tony Stark using AI technology without needing his performance at all. Swisher also contextualized this with the news that Downey Jr. is returning to the MCU not as Tony Stark, but as Doctor Doom, and is being "recreated" in a sense as a villain. "You're kind of on Elon [Musk]'s journey right now, from a hero to a villain," she said. Downey Jr. responded as follows: "Well first of all, I am not on Elon's journey. There's more to the story than just the next chapter that I'm aware of. There's two tracks. One is how do I feel about everything that's going on, and my answer is, I feel about it minimally because I have an actual emotional life that's occurring that doesn't have a lot of room for that. And to go back to the MCU, 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, with or without me." Swisher noted that while the people Downey Jr. references might not, future executives potentially could. He responded: "Well, you're right. And I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec." Last year, the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on an over 100-day strike in an effort to push Hollywood studios to reach a deal on, among other things, AI protections for actors. Meanwhile, Downey Jr. himself has been vocal about his feelings on AI for some time now. He's not fully anti-AI, as demonstrated by his investment in an AI-based cybersecurity firm, and he's also released a nine-part YouTube series called The Age of AI, where he discusses how AI could potentially change the world. He will return to the MCU as Doctor Doom in 2027 with Avengers: Doomsday.

Robert Downey Jr. Says He 'Intends to Sue' All Future Executives Who Use His AI Replica

Melora Hardin, left, and Robert Downey Jr. appear during a performance of "McNeal," in New York. (Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman via AP) LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Robert Downey Jr. doesn't think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using artificial intelligence. But if they did, he would lawyer up -- even posthumously. On a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intends to "sue all future executives" who allow an AI-created version of him. Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he does not want his likeness recreated by AI technology. "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, with or without me," Downey said. Swisher noted that those executives would eventually be replaced. "Well, you're right," Downey said. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec." "You'll be dead," Swisher said. Downey replied: "But my law firm will still be very active." Representatives for Marvel Studios and for Downey did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The discussion comes amid the Hollywood video game performers' strike, which began in July after more than 18 months of negotiations over a new interactive media agreement with game industry giants broke down over artificial intelligence protections. Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have billed the issues behind the labor dispute -- and AI in particular -- as an existential crisis for performers. Concerns about how movie studios will use AI helped fuel last year's film and television strikes by the union, which lasted four months. SAG-AFTRA ultimately signed a deal requiring productions to get the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used. Downey made his Broadway debut this month in "McNeal," a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor plays the titular character, Jacob McNeal, an acclaimed novelist whose battles with alcoholism and mental illness culminate at a crucial juncture in his career. "I don't envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age," Downey said. "The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy." The podcast episode explored questions the play raises about truth and power in the age of AI, and whether there is a "social contract" related to the use of AI. Downey's upcoming role as Doctor Doom in "Avengers: Doomsday" will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Robert Downey Jr. vows there will never be a digital AI replica of him on-screen

Tony Stark may rely on AI to help build and pilot his Iron Man armor, but actor Robert Downey Jr. will go after any executive thinking to use AI to replicate him for a role. Downey made his feelings clear on a new episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, where he discussed AI, deepfake technology, and his antipathy toward any effort to recreate him with AI, even after he passes away. Downey isn't too concerned about future urges at Marvel Studios to insert an AI replica of him into future films without his permission. The temptation is obvious since Downey's most famous role kicked off the Marvel Cinematic Universe and he is even returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday film. Amusingly, both characters are well known for their use of AI and advanced technology, with Doom, in particular, sending out an endless array of robotic duplicates with AI versions of his mind and personality to carry out his bidding. Still, he trusts that the leadership of the studio won't betray him. "And to go back to the MCU, I'm 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 with or without me," Downey said on the podcast. Host Kara Swisher pointed out that it's more about what will happen after he passes away, but Downey had an answer for that: "Well, you're right, And, I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," he declared. "You'll be dead," Swisher countered, to which Downey quickly riposted: "But my law firm will still be very active." The Oscar-winner is hardly alone among actors in being wary of AI duplicates, an issue critical to the strike and eventual deal made by the recent Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) strikes this year. Downey's view may be bolstered by law thanks to a bill introduced by California legislators prohibiting the unauthorized replication of deceased actors. On the other hand, some actors seem fine with having AI take up their iconic roles as long as they and their eventual estate approve and are compensated. For instance, James Earl Jones agreed to let Disney use his voice for future Darth Vader projects before his recent passing. His contract details how and when his AI voice clone may be used. Jones isn't the only celebrity allowing AI companies to replicate their voice or face. Meta scored deals with many celebrities, including John Cena, Keegan Michael Key, and Kristen Bell, to voice its Meta AI assistant. ElevenLabs did the same with Deepak Chopra for its Reader App. , and reached a deal with the estates of James Dean, Burt Reynolds, Judy Garland, and Sir Laurence Olivier to let it add AI versions of their voices to the app. Not every performer has the resources to push back against the potential AI deepfakes that could be produced. Hence, AI's place in Hollywood was a key sticking point during the strike. Downey has been immersed in questions of AI and art thanks to his recent turn on Broadway in McNeal. The drama, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Ayad Akhtar, sees Downey play a famous author battling AI's takeover of creative projects and how artists and audiences should grapple with the implications of the technology. It's not too dissimilar to what Downey said in the interview, including criticizing the way AI developers sometimes hint or outright proclaim that AI is a key to saving creative industries. ChatGPT is no Ultron, but Downey very much opposes some of what AI might do to actors, writers, and other creators just as much as Iron Man fought the murderous AI on the big screen.

Robert Downey Jr. Vows To Sue Studios That Create A.I. Versions Of Him

The Oscar-winning actor said that "my law firm will still be very active" even after he dies. Robert Downey Jr.'s films may live forever in the hearts of filmgoers, but he doesn't want artificial intelligence-powered versions of himself making new ones, he said in a recent appearance on the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast. Downey, 59, said he would sue any studios that try to re-create him digitally. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," Downey told host Kara Swisher, who then helpfully noted that he would be dead when that happened. "But my law firm will still be very active," he countered, to laughs. But Downey insisted he's not currently obsessed with the possibility of digital soul-stealing after his death. His thoughts on AI and digital re-creation follow what he describes as "two tracks." "One is, how do I feel about everything that's going on? And my answer is, I feel about it minimally because I have an actual emotional life that's occurring that doesn't have a lot of room for that," Downey said. He also said he's not worried about current Marvel executives "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, with or without me." You can hear the complete podcast below (Downey's AI comments start around the 35-minute mark).

Robert Downey Jr. threatens to sue any future executives who use his AI replica

On a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intends to "sue all future executives" who allow an AI-created version of him. Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he does not want his likeness recreated by AI technology. "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, with or without me," Downey said. Swisher noted that those executives would eventually be replaced.

Robert Downey Jr. will never let anyone recreate him in AI, and says he'll automatically sue anyone who tries, even after he's dead: "My law firm will still be very active"

The Marvel star has banned Hollywood from creating an AI version of him Robert Downey Jr. says he doesn't want Hollywood to replicate his likeness ever and intends to sue anyone who tries to create an AI version of himself, even after he is dead. "There's two tracks. How do I feel about everything that's going on? I feel about it minimally because I have an actual emotional life that's occurring that doesn't have a lot of room for that," said Downey on an episode of the On With Kara Swisher podcast when asked about being digitally recreated. "I don't envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age." However, when the conversation turned to whether an Iron Man reboot replicating his Tony Stark using AI could ever happen, Downey said he's sure that the present team at Marvel Studios would never do that. "I am not worried about them hijacking my character's soul," explained the star, "they would never do that to me, with or without me." In case any future Marvel executives get the bright idea to raise Downey's Stark from the grave, the star intends to take legal action, even if he isn't here himself to do so. "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," said the star. "You'll be dead," replied Podcast host Swisher, to which Downey stated plainly, "But my law firm will still be very active." The good news is that although we may never see an AI version of the Oscar winner take to the screen, the very real Downey is heading back to the MCU very soon but not as Stark. As announced at Comic-Con 2024, the star will suit up as Marvel villain Doctor Doom in the upcoming movie Avengers 5, officially titled Avengers Doomsday, heading to theaters in 2026.

Robert Downey Jr. threatens to sue from the grave if Hollywood recreates him with AI

AI-Assisted TLDR: Robert Downey Jr. plans to sue any Hollywood executive who uses his likeness as a digital AI replica after his death.* Generated from the content by Jak Connor below. In a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, Oscar winner and Marvel superstar Robert Downey Jr. revealed he plans to sue any Hollywood executive who uses his likeness in the form of a digital AI replica to recreate him after his death. Downey was asked about what he thinks the future of Hollywood will look like with the emergence of AI technologies and how he feels about the technology being used to recreate popular actors after they have passed away. The topic presented itself through questions asked about Downey and his tenure as Iron Man. Downey said he is confident that Marvel executives won't recreate him as Iron Man, as he believes the people in control know him very well and "they would never do that to me, with or without me." However, when asked 'what about future executives?' Downey acknowledged there will certainly be a push, at one stage or another, for his likeness to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after he has passed away. But that push by future executives will be met with legal ramifications by Downey's law firm, as the Oscar-winning actor explained,"I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec."You'll be dead," Swisher noted. "But my law firm will still be very active," responded Downey

Robert Downey Jr. Will Sue From the Grave if Hollywood Ever Recreates His Likeness With AI

The Oscar winner and Marvel star has very strong feelings about his likeness being used posthumously. Typically, an actor telling their business associates that they'd take their asses to court from beyond the grave (and win) if they recreate their likeness with AI would feel reserved for someone going full method while embodying Sun Tzu's The Art of War. But not everyone is Oscar winner and Marvel star Robert Downey Jr. In a recent episode of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast (via Variety), Downey unequivocally stated his opposition to Hollywood using AI technology to create a digital version of his likeness for the silver screen. He underscored his stance against AI by declaring his intention to sue any future executives who sign off on the idea. The news of Downey joining his colleagues in their fight against AI is reassuring for those concerned that his making more money than god wouldn't prevent him from aligning with their creative and artistic morals. Downey's based AI sound bite was not without context; it emerged during Downey and Swisher's conversation about his Broadway debut in McNealâ€"a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that explores a writer's battle with alcoholism, mental health, and an "unhealthy fascination with artificial intelligence." At some point, their talk shifted towards pop culture, touching upon Downey's upcoming return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Dr. Doom. In a pretty on-the-nose display of saying the quiet part out loud, Downey expressed his belief that the folks over at Marvel wouldn't be uncouth enough to use a digital AI copy of his likeness when he passes on. It should be noted that parent company, Disney (via Lucasfilm), is being sued for reanimating Peter Cushing's likeness post-mortem as Grand Moff Tarkin in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. “To go back to the MCU, 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, with or without me,†Downey said. When podcast host Swisher doused the optimistic Downey with a dose of reality, saying "future executives certainly will" seek to recreate his likeness for their films, Downey firmly pushed back the idea, vowing to "sue all future executives just on spec." Moreover, Downey declared that his law firm would "still be very active" even after he's passed away. "I don’t envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age. The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy," Downey told Swisher, referring to tech CEOs like OpenAI's Sam Altman. "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 fucking error. It turns me off and makes me not want to engage with them because they are not being truthful."

Robert Downey, Jr. to 'Sue All Future Executives' Who Create His AI Digital Replica - Decrypt

"Iron Man" star Robert Downey, Jr. is laying down some boundaries on the use of his likeness for digital replicas created with generative AI. The actor, who appeared in eleven Marvel Cinematic Universe films as Tony Stark, told the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast that he would "sue all future executives" who attempted to create a digital replica of him. Asked about Marvel Studios executives seeking to resurrect his portrayal of Tony Stark without his involvement, using generative AI, Downey, Jr. said that, "I'm 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, with or without me." When host Kara Swisher pointed out that other executives might, in the future, Downey, Jr. responded that, "I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," and that even after his death, "My law firm will still be very active." The actor was sanguine about the prospect of digital replicas, noting that, "I feel about it minimally because I have an actual emotional life that's occurring that doesn't have a lot of room for that." That may be because Downey, Jr. has already had his likeness scanned and used on-screen, with digital doubles used for action sequences in the "Avengers" films, and the actor himself being digitally de-aged for 2016's "Captain America: Civil War." Downey, Jr. is currently grappling with the implications of AI on Broadway in the play "McNEAL," in which he plays a novelist who uses the technology to help him write his latest work. The play's writer, Ayed Akhtar, used generative AI while penning the script, he told Swisher. "One of the things that I wanted the play to do was to create that sense of magic," he said, adding that, "you have that in the final monologue, where the monologue appears generated by AI, that there's a sense of magic that this is actually happening -- because I feel that that's been my experience." He conceded that, "I had to imitate the AI in order to make it work for the play; I couldn't get the AI to do it itself." "Its ability to now analyze a story and identify the weaknesses and potential opportunities is the thing that has been most surprising." Akhtar added. The film industry is divided over the use of generative AI, with actor Nicolas Cage recently calling the technology "inhumane," and accusing the studios of wanting to use AI to "change your face after you've already shot it." Under a 2023 agreement struck between actors' union SAG-AFTRA and the Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television Producers, studios are permitted to create "employment based digital replicas" (EBDRs) made with the actor's participation, and independently created digital replicas (ICDRs) made without the direct involvement of the original actor. While the actor's union has reached an agreement with motion picture producers, SAG-AFTRA is currently striking over the use of artificial intelligence in video game productions. The union is seeking a deal that would require video game producers to secure consent from performers over the use of AI to replicate their voices, likenesses and performances, as well as compensating performers for the use of their digital replicas in games.

Robert Downey Jr: 'I will sue all future executives who make AI replicas of me'

The actor who will be returning to the MCU as Doctor Doom said he believed Marvel would 'never' recreate him on screen without his permission Robert Downey Jr has said he will instruct his lawyers to sue future executives who attempt to create digital replicas of him using AI. Speaking on the On With Kara Swisher podcast, he said: "I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec." Swisher suggested he'd be dead by then, to which Downey Jr replied: "But my law firm will still be very active." In 2019, Downey Jr announced he had invested in FootPrint Coalition, an organisation that aims to use robotics and AI to try to reduce the carbon footprint of humans. He is also on the board of an organisation that uses AI to try to tighten cybersecurity. Speaking on the podcast, he sought to draw a line between his investments and the use of AI in Hollywood: "It always comes down to not the technology or the opportunity to line my pockets as much as, 'Who are the people involved with this?'" The actor, who won an Oscar earlier this year for his role in Oppenheimer, about the invention of the atomic bomb, said that the world of AI and deepfakes was not one he ordinarily thought about, "because I have an actual emotional life that's occurring that doesn't have a lot of room for that." He continued by saying that such was his faith in those behind the Marvel movies that he doubted the company would ever seek to recreate him on screen without his permission. "To go back to the MCU," he said, "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, with or without me." In July, Downey Jr announced he would be returning to the MCU after his long-running stint as Tony Stark, this time playing Doctor Doom, one of Marvel's biggest villains, in the forthcoming Avengers: Doomsday. The actor's salary for two films is reportedly about $100m.

Robert Downey Jr. Says He'd Sue If Marvel Ever Copied His Likeness With AI

AI looms over us daily, encroaching upon creative territory long held by human artists in various forms. It would seem the film industry is feeling the sting of this new technology, as renowned movie stars such as Robert Downey Jr. and Scarlett Johansson have spoken out against the possibility of AI replicating their likenesses. Downey Jr. recently sat down with journalist Kara Swisher on her podcast On With Kara Swisher, published earlier this month. The iconic actor explained that he would happily sue Marvel should the studio ever use his likeness by employing AI after his death. Ever an optimist, RDJ doesn't feel that current Marvel would turn to AI to replicate an actor's likeness. However, the rapidly evolving technology will likely become a cause for concern sooner rather than later. "To go back to the MCU, I'm 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," he said, "and they would never do that to me, with or without me." While his faith in Marvel's current executives is admirable, a change in leadership may lead to a reliance on AI tools in the future. To the prospect that he may not know the future executives, Swisher asked what then. Robert Downey Jr. replied, saying, "Well, you're right. I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec." In the interview, Swisher asked RDJ to clarify, as he may have passed away by the time Marvel utilizes AI in such a way. He replied, "But my law firm will still be very active." Again, he's not the first and likely won't be the last Marvel superstar to speak out against AI. Earlier this year, Scarlett Johansson took issue with OpenAI utilizing her voice for its personal assistant toolset. While OpenAI denied using Johansson's likeness for the voice of "Sky," the company did -- rather suddenly -- remove the voice altogether while promising to revisit how they select voices for such tools.

Robert Downey Jr. will not allow an AI replica to be made of him

AI is a weird thing, really. It promises a lot, but as it's still such a young technology, we're not really sure what it can accomplish besides - as Guillermo del Toro put it - semi-compelling screensavers. The real test of its value in the movie and gaming industry feels like it starts now, but someone who doesn't want to be a part of that test is Robert Downey Jr. Speaking on the On with Kara Swisher podcast, Downey spoke about not wanting an AI replica made of him, even when he passes. "I intend to sue all future executives ... [If I'm dead] my law firm will still be very active," he said. There will be those that embrace new technology just as there are those that shun it as Downey has done here. In time, we'll see more of what AI is capable of, and perhaps that will turn some heads, but the first impression made is not a strong one.

Robert Downey Jr against AI: "my lawyers will keep working when I die" - Softonic

Robert Downey Jr. is one of the most important actors of the moment. In addition to just winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for Oppenheimer, he is the unavoidable icon of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), both for being Tony Stark/Iron Man and for soon being Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars. However, he was one of the first actors to raise his voice against artificial intelligence. In a recent interview on the podcast On With Kara Swisher, he made it clear that he will not allow his image to be used digitally without his consent through AI. During the conversation, Downey Jr. made his stance very clear: although he trusts the current Marvel leaders not to recreate his character Tony Stark through AI or deepfakes, the future might not be as respectful. "I'm not worried about them hijacking the soul of my character because there are three or four guys and girls making all the decisions there and they would never do that to me," the actor noted, referring to the current executives of Marvel Studios. However, his opinion about future executives is less optimistic. "I want to make it clear that I intend to sue all future executives, just in case." The conversation took a serious turn when the host mentioned that he might not be around to carry out these demands in the future, to which Downey responded with humor: "But my law firm will remain very active when I die." Downey Jr. has also expressed great skepticism about current advances in AI, especially in relation to influential figures in this industry, such as Sam Altman, director of OpenAI. The actor is currently tackling the topic of artificial intelligence on Broadway with the play McNeal, which explores the practices of large corporations in the field of AI. According to him, the fact that certain entrepreneurs see themselves as the arbiters of this technology and seek to be recognized positively constitutes "a big mistake" that could cost us all dearly.