Key takeaways:
– Robert Downey Jr., MCU superstar, is not impressed with AI’s potential misuse.
– Downey Jr. warns he may sue future Marvel executives if they misuse AI to recreate his likeness.
– Despite playing a tech millionaire in movies, Downey Jr. is skeptical of AI in Hollywood.
– Downey Jr. will appear next in the role of Victor von Doom in Avengers: Doomsday.
Robert Downey Jr.’s AI Fears and Future Marvel Roles
Robert Downey Jr., the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) superstar, might be on-screen best friends with AI Jarvis when playing Iron Man, but he’s not as keen on the technology when the cameras stop rolling. Long after his MCU departure, Downey Jr. issues a stern warning to Marvel. If they think about using his likeness through AI, they better think twice.
Downey Jr. has mesmerized MCU fans since his debut as the billionaire Tony Stark in 2008’s Iron Man. Yet, despite leaving the role behind with 2019’s Avengers: Endgame, moviemakers might not leave him alone. Some Hollywood circles are eager to use AI tech to resurrect celebrities onto the big screen.
Downey Jr. Speaks Against Unauthorized AI Use
AI technology continues to make waves in the film industry, with it being potentially beneficial by allowing film producers to recreate deceased celebrities. This has raised eyebrows and drawn a fair share of criticisms for ethical reasons, among them, Downey Jr. himself. The actor voiced his concerns about his image being exploited without his permisson.
When confronted with the possibility of Marvel using AI for an Iron Man reboot, Downey Jr. was quick to respond. The actor assured that he trusts Marvel would never resort to such measures. However, he didn’t shy away from saying that he won’t hesitate to sue any future Marvel executives who try any funny business.
Downey Jr.’s Confidence in His Legal Team
Understandably, some might be puzzled with his statement considering that he’d be deceased at such time. Downey Jr. had an answer ready, saying his law firm would carry on his will. He declared that he plans to sue future executives just on speculation. Hence, while Downey Jr. might be gone, his legal team would remain vigilant.
Robert Downey Jr.’s Stand on AI Technology
Meanwhile, Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, might have ended in Avengers: Endgame, but the actor himself isn’t done with the superhero world just yet. He has been announced as Victor von Doom for the upcoming movie, Avengers: Doomsday. It remains unclear how Downey Jr. would be worked into this new role.
Downey Jr.’s feelings about AI are complex. Although he’s played a tech genius on screen, he maintains that in real life, he’s less absorbed by the new age of technology. He admitted to holding only minimal feelings about what he perceives to be over identification with the information age.
A Possible Clash With Disney’s AI Plans
Downey Jr’s feelings on AI run contrary to those of Disney, Marvel’s owner, which is gearing up to use AI even more in its future projects. If Downey Jr. stays true to his words about potential litigation, this could spark a high-profile clash between the actor and the studio.
Downey Jr. isn’t just an actor, he’s a symbol. Whether he’s acting as Tony Stark or Victor von Doom, he’s leaving an indelible mark in Hollywood. Moreover, his stand against misuse of AI technology is just another layer to his significance in the industry. As we move forward in the age of AI advancement, Downey Jr’s words might come to represent a line in the sand for film studios and how they choose to employ AI tech in the future.
 superstar, might be on-screen best friends with AI Jarvis when playing Iron Man, but he's not as keen on the technology when the cameras stop rolling. Long after his MCU departure, Downey Jr. issues a stern warning to Marvel. If they think about using his likeness through AI, they better think twice.){kind=link}