LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Downey Jr. believes Marvel executives will never use artificial intelligence to recreate Tony Stark’s portrayal. But if he did, he would stand up as a lawyer, even after death.
In a recent episode of the On With Kara Swisher podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he plans to “sue every future executive” who allows an AI-created version of himself. Regarding his role as Iron Man, Downey said he doesn’t want his likeness to be recreated through AI technology.
“I’m not worried that they’re going to take over the soul of my character, because there’s three or four men and women who make all the decisions there anyway. With or without me, they’re would never do that to me,” Downey said.
Swisher noted that these executives will eventually be replaced.
“Well, you’re right,” Downey said. “I would like to state here that I intend to sue all future executives on spec alone.”
“You’re going to die,” Swisher said.
Downey responded, “But my law firm will remain active.”
Representatives for Marvel Studios and Downey did not respond to requests for comment.
The discussions come amid a strike by Hollywood video game performers that began in July after more than 18 months of negotiations over a new interactive media agreement with the gaming industry giants broke down over protections for artificial intelligence. It happened to.
Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have called the issues behind the labor dispute, particularly AI, an existential threat to performers. Concerns over how movie studios use AI fueled last year’s film and television union strike, which lasted four months. SAG-AFTRA ultimately signed an agreement requiring productions to obtain the informed consent of actors to use digital replicas.
A SAG-AFTRA spokesperson denied Downey the ability to use a digital replica in the film, citing a new California law that prohibits unauthorized reproduction of deceased performers’ likenesses without their prior consent. He said he had the right to do so. The law was signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in September and was sponsored by unions.
Downey made his Broadway debut this month in Ayad Akhtar’s one-act play “McNeil,” which explores themes such as artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor plays the titular character, Jacob McNeil, an acclaimed novelist whose struggles with alcoholism and mental illness reach a critical juncture in his career.
“I don’t envy people who are over-identified with this new phase of the information age,” Downey said. “The idea that because you have a supersized startup, it somehow belongs to them is false.”
The podcast episode explored the questions the play raises about truth and power in the age of AI, and whether there is a “social contract” associated with the use of AI.
Downey is set to play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.
