Tom Hanks’ New Movie ‘Abuses AI’
Tom Hanks’ new film Here has sparked controversy after being criticized for its use of AI to de-age characters. Actress Lisa Kudrow, best known for her role as Phoebe in “Friends,” has expressed concerns about the movie’s use of this technology, arguing that it could harm young actors in the entertainment industry.
During a recent podcast with Dax Shepard on Armchair Expert, Kudrow shared her disagreement with how Robert Zemeckis and the Here team approached the project. The film tells the story of characters living on the same piece of land, spanning their lives from past to present. Tom Hanks and Robin Wright star in the film, with anti-aging technology being used to make them appear younger than their actual age. Kudrow believes this could negatively affect the future of emerging actors, as their images may be copied and reused indefinitely through AI.
Kudrow expressed concern that AI might limit job opportunities for young actors, as they could be replaced by technology that doesn’t require real talent or hard work. She stated, “If jobs are shrinking, what other opportunities will be available for them? Or will there be some kind of stipend where you don’t need to work?”
It’s not just Kudrow who shares this view. Many fans also agree with her. One user, Michael John Brooks, commented, “She’s right. It raises the question of how far AI will go.” Another commenter wrote, “I think anything replacing human interaction destroys the values that help communities grow.”
The use of anti-aging technology in films is not new. It has been used in several major films, such as Ant-Man 3, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, and The Irishman. A notable example is in Indiana Jones 5 (2023), where over 100 artists at Industrial Light and Magic worked for three years to develop technology that made Harrison Ford, 82 years old, look like he was 40.
Tom Hanks, besides starring in Here, has made headlines with his statements about AI in the entertainment industry. In May 2023, he mentioned on the Adam Buxton podcast that his performances could be maintained with the help of AI, even after his death. Hanks explained, “Anyone could recreate themselves at any age using AI or deepfake technology.”
Other stars have also voiced their opinions about AI in the entertainment industry. In a July 2023 event, Arnold Schwarzenegger expressed concern that the events in The Terminator could become reality, with AI rising up against humanity. However, some, like Ice-T, have said they are willing to collaborate with AI in their work.
Lisa Kudrow, now 61, is famous for her role as Phoebe Buffay in “Friends.” She has stated that her character helped her become more comfortable and confident in real life. She is married to advertising executive Michel Stern, and the couple has one son.
Meanwhile, Tom Hanks, 68, is one of the most powerful figures in Hollywood. In addition to being a famous actor, he is also a director, screenwriter, and producer. He has won two Oscars, six Emmy Awards, and four Golden Globes.
The rise of AI technology in the film industry not only sparks debate but also raises important questions about the future of the film industry. As AI continues to advance and become more widespread, could it eventually replace real actors? Stars like Lisa Kudrow and Tom Hanks have been at the forefront of initiating discussions about this issue, opening up debates about how to preserve the core values of the film industry.
