Key Takeaways:
• Robert Zemeckis partners with Metaphysic for his new movie ‘Here’ featuring de-aged Tom Hanks and Robin Wright.
• Fans criticize the heavy use of CGI, suggesting the casting of younger actors.
• The movie slated to release on November 22, 2024, could either mark an era of AI-driven films or be a disaster.
Robert Zemeckis Teams Up with Metaphysic
Known for his technological advances in filmmaking, Robert Zemeckis is taking it a notch higher. His new feature project ‘Here’ has caught attention for its unique approach. The controversy around this new initiative revolves around the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in media. The strike by SAG-AFTRA and WGA last year had stirred talk around this subject. Many filmmakers expressed their opposition to it. Yet, Zemeckis stands as the first to embrace this technology in his feature film.
The film ‘Here’ casts stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright. What’s unique? They will appear as younger versions of themselves, thanks to AI. The trend of de-aging old actors in major films has faced significant criticism. The much-talked-about ‘The Irishman’ serves as an apt example.
The Unique Approach to De-aging
In a departure from the standard, cumbersome de-aging process, Zemeckis has chosen AI. The big-screen celebrities, 67-year-old Hanks and 58-year-old Wright, will be de-aged using AI. Metaphysic, a company renowned for creating photorealistic face swaps, is the force behind this technology.
Zemeckis, in an IndieWire interview, shared his attraction to technology aiding storytelling. He further expressed that the film ‘Here’ wouldn’t work without the stars transforming into younger versions of themselves, a feat made possible by Metaphysic’s AI tools.
Unenthused Fans of “Here”
Despite the excitement surrounding the new technology, not everyone’s thrilled. The trailer for this experimental drama didn’t impress the fans. The past attempts at de-aging actors have been far from successful, and this has made the fans skeptical. Furthermore, Zemeckis’s history of heavily relying on CGI fuels their doubts. Some fans took to social media, criticizing the overuse of CGI and suggesting casting younger actors instead.
Upcoming Release Triggers Debate
The film ‘Here,’ set to hit the theatres by late November 2024, could potentially signify the start of an era of AI-inspired films. However, it’s equally plausible that this could turn out to be a disaster. For now, though, it seems to have stirred up more criticism than enthusiasm. Regardless, it’s wise to hold off any major judgment until we see the film on the big screen.
We can only wait until the movie is released to see if it breaks the mold or succumbs to the pre-existing skepticism. With ‘Here,’ Zemeckis may usher in a revolution or face a hard blow. Only time will reveal the film’s fate and the effects of such precedent on the filmmaking industry.
