Lisa Kudrow Raises Concerns About AI’s Impact After Robert Zemeckis’s Film Here

Lisa Kudrow, best known for her role in Friends, has shared her concerns about the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the film industry. Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast, Kudrow addressed the implications of AI after the release of Robert Zemeckis’s recent film Here. The feature, which explores a multi-generational narrative, heavily relies on AI technology, including digital de-aging to transform its cast across different time periods.

Kudrow expressed unease about how this technology is altering filmmaking. She described how the actors filmed scenes and could immediately view AI-generated younger versions of themselves during playback.

“They actually shoot the scene, and then the filmmakers can look at the playback of them as younger, and it’s ready for them to see,” Kudrow explained.

AI’s Threat to Actors

The actress voiced concern over the potential future of actors in a heavily AI-driven industry. Highlighting the challenges for emerging talent, Kudrow questioned whether new actors would have opportunities when AI could recycle or license existing actors’ images.

“It’s not like, ‘Oh, it’s going to ruin everything,’ but what will be left? Forget actors; what about up-and-coming actors? They’ll just be licensing and recycling,” she said.

Kudrow also raised broader ethical concerns, asking what jobs would remain for human beings if AI continues to dominate. “How can it possibly be enough?” she remarked, suggesting that reliance on AI might strip creativity and opportunity from the next generation of artists.

Tom Hanks Weighs In

Lisa Kudrow is not alone in voicing concerns about AI’s role in Hollywood. Tom Hanks, who stars in Here, has also spoken about the implications of advanced technology in filmmaking. He mentioned that, with AI or deepfake tools, actors can recreate themselves at any age, allowing them to “star” in future projects without actually being involved in production.

Hanks added that these advancements open doors to unprecedented possibilities, such as pitching projects featuring younger or older versions of oneself. However, he also hinted at the ethical and creative dilemmas this may pose for the industry.

Here: A New Milestone for Robert Zemeckis

Robert Zemeckis’s Here has generated significant discussion not only for its storytelling but also for its use of AI technology. The film, based on the graphic novel by Richard McGuire, chronicles multiple families living in a single location over generations. The narrative showcases how the same space evolves with the passage of time, blending themes of connection and continuity.

The project marks another collaboration between Zemeckis and Tom Hanks, a duo known for producing classics such as Forrest Gump and Cast Away. While Here is being praised for its creative ambition, it has also sparked debates about the role of technology in storytelling, particularly in how AI might influence the future of filmmaking.

Broader Implications

The discussions surrounding Here and the opinions expressed by Kudrow and Hanks are part of a larger conversation in the entertainment world. As AI technology continues to advance, its implications for creativity, jobs, and authenticity in media are becoming a focal point.

For more updates on AI in Hollywood and related topics, stay tuned to Vviptimes.

Source: Armchair Expert Podcast.