Tom Hanks Envisions Posthumous Movie Appearances Through AI: Exploring the Star’s Previous AI-Enhanced Projects
Tom Hanks Reflects on AI’s Impact in Films: Exploring the Future of Posthumous Appearances and Previous AI-Enhanced Projects
Renowned actor Tom Hanks recently shared his thoughts on the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the film industry, particularly as he considers the preservation of his name and likeness as he ages.
During an episode of “The Adam Buxton Podcast,” Hanks discussed the historical presence of AI in movies, citing his 2004 animated film “The Polar Express” as an early example of utilizing computer-generated data to recreate actors’ appearances. He emphasized the exponential growth of this technology and its widespread adoption, leading to ongoing discussions among industry professionals regarding the legal implications of using individuals’ faces and voices as intellectual property.
Hanks speculated on the potential of AI to extend his on-screen presence beyond his lifetime. He expressed the possibility of starring in a series of movies where he could be digitally portrayed at any age, thanks to AI and deepfake technologies. While acknowledging the artistic and legal challenges such advancements pose, Hanks questioned whether audiences would ultimately care about the authenticity of performances created through AI.
He drew a parallel between AI’s transformative impact and the invention of the printing press, noting that just as people can discern between truth and falsehoods, opinions on the authenticity of AI-generated content will vary. While some individuals prioritize authenticity, others may not find it crucial.
Hanks further revealed his involvement in previous AI projects, such as “The Polar Express,” where motion-capture technology captured his facial expressions for character creation. Despite the film’s classification as animated, director Robert Zemeckis emphasized that it was digitally rendered, underlining the genuine acting and directing involved.
Zemeckis and Hanks are once again collaborating on an upcoming film titled “Here,” based on a graphic novel, which employs AI to de-age the actors. Metaphysic Live, a company known for its hyperreal AI-generated face replacements and de-aging techniques, will provide the necessary technology for the film. Zemeckis praised Metaphysic Live’s AI tools, highlighting their unparalleled ability to seamlessly transform actors into younger versions of themselves.
As AI continues to evolve, Hanks’ insights shed light on the profound impact it has on the film industry, raising intriguing questions about the boundaries of authenticity and the possibilities of posthumous performances.
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