Tom Hanks Predicted Grim Future for Hollywood Because of AI Takeover

It's no secret that artificial intelligence has been playing an increasingly prominent role in our society. But while it has brought convenience and accessibility to many aspects of our lives, there are growing concerns about the trajectory of various industries, particularly the world of entertainment. And one renowned actor who shares these concerns is none other than Tom Hanks, predicting a rather grim future for Hollywood.

In an interview with the New York Times back in 2001(!), Hanks expressed deep concern about the impending threat of AI to the careers of actors. He acknowledged the inevitability of AI's influence, stating, 'I am very troubled by it. But it's coming down, man. It's going to happen. And I'm not sure what actors can do about it.'

The actor's worries weren't unfounded. As technology has progressed, it has become increasingly difficult to distinguish between real and computer-generated individuals. The emergence of highly convincing deep fakes has blurred the line between reality and fiction.

Now, many years later, Hanks has once again revisited the topic. In a recent conversation on The Adam Buxton podcast, he raised ethical questions regarding a scenario in which an artificial version of himself continues to act even after his death.

'I can tell you that there's discussions going on in all of the guilds, all of the agencies, and all of the legal firms in order to come up with the legal ramifications of my face and my voice, and everybody else’s, being our intellectual property,' he disclosed.

He further expressed his concern about the power of AI and deep fake technology, highlighting the fact that anyone can now recreate themselves at any age through these means. He went on to say, 'I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that’s it, but my performances can go on and on and on. There’ll be nothing to tell you that it’s not me and me alone and it’s going to have some degree of lifelike quality. That's certainly an artistic challenge, but also a legal one.'

Adam Buxton, the host of the podcast, argued that the audience would likely be able to distinguish between Hanks' authentic performances and the fake ones, particularly due to the unique choices that the actor makes, which an AI would struggle to replicate. 'Without a doubt people will be able to tell, but the question is, will they care?' Hanks responded, casting yet another dark prediction.

Source: Irish Examiner, The Adam Buxton podcast.