news Robert Downey Jr. Vows to Sue If AI Replicates His Likeness in Hollywood

[Hollywood Info]

Robert Downey Jr. has made it clear he won’t allow AI to use his image without a fight. The 59-year-old actor revealed on the "On with Kara Swisher" podcast that if AI manipulates his likeness, he plans to take legal action. “I intend to sue,” he said firmly.

Downey Jr. rose to fame as Tony Stark in the Iron Man and Avengers films but ruled out reprising the role in 2020, stating, “To me, starting up again is off the table.” However, he's now more concerned about AI potentially resurrecting his character without consent.

Discussing AI’s rise, Downey Jr. noted it intrigued him since ChatGPT launched, calling it “astonishing” yet troubling. He criticized AI developers’ lack of transparency, saying it makes him reluctant to engage with them.

Swisher pointed out that future Hollywood executives might use AI to recreate his image, to which Downey Jr. jokingly replied, “I intend to sue all future executives just on spec.” Even if he’s gone, his law firm would still be “very active,” he quipped.

Despite his stance on AI, Downey Jr. will return to the Marvel Universe as Dr. Doom in the 2026 film Avengers: Doomsday.

Source: https://www.foxnews.com/entertainme...t-ai-recreateen-likeness-hollywood-intend-sue

 

[ActionAce]

It is quite logical and I understand why Downey Jr. is against AI replicating his voice or acting. No crime in guarding one’s image regardless of how unimportant it may seem, especially if it has to do with your career. Some of his concerns are valid. There is a need for transparency, and consent should be taken seriously before replicating anyone.

 

[Reelz]

The fact is that there is a lack of rules governing the use of AI in the film industry. With more and more content that are created with the use of AI, celebrities’ rights should not be ignored.

 

[MidnightMuse]

I understand why he said this.

However, if you read between the lines, all he is saying is that he does not want Hollywood using his likeness if he is not benefiting. In other words, drop a huge bag of cash at his feet and all is good.

After all, you want to tell me with all the ads he has done none of them has replicated his likeness (image or voice) using AI?