Robert Downey Jr. says he ‘intends to sue’ all future executives who use his AI replica

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Robert Downey Jr. doesn’t assume Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark utilizing synthetic intelligence. But when they did, he would lawyer up — even posthumously.

On a current episode of the “On With Kara Swisher” podcast, the Oscar-winning actor stated he intends to “sue all future executives” who enable an AI-created model of him. Talking about his function as Iron Man, Downey stated he doesn’t need his likeness recreated by AI know-how.

“I’m not frightened about them hijacking my character’s soul as a result of there’s like three or 4 guys and gals who make all the choices there anyway and they might by no means do this to me, with or with out me,” Downey stated.

Swisher famous that these executives would finally get replaced.

“Nicely, you’re proper,” Downey stated. “I wish to right here state that I intend to sue all future executives simply on spec.”

“You’ll be lifeless,” Swisher stated.

Downey replied: “However my regulation agency will nonetheless be very lively.”

Representatives for Marvel Studios and for Downey didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

The dialogue comes amid the Hollywood online game performers’ strike, which started in July after greater than 18 months of negotiations over a brand new interactive media settlement with sport business giants broke down over synthetic intelligence protections.

Leaders of the Display screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Tv and Radio Artists have billed the problems behind the labor dispute — and AI specifically — as an existential disaster for performers. Issues about how film studios will use AI helped gasoline final yr’s movie and tv strikes by the union, which lasted 4 months. SAG-AFTRA finally signed a deal requiring productions to get the knowledgeable consent of actors whose digital replicas are used.

Downey made his Broadway debut this month in “McNeal,” a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that delves into themes of synthetic intelligence, creative integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor performs the titular character, Jacob McNeal, an acclaimed novelist whose battles with alcoholism and psychological sickness culminate at an important juncture in his profession.

“I don’t envy anybody who has been over-identified with the appearance of this new part of the knowledge age,” Downey stated. “The concept that one way or the other it belongs to them as a result of they’ve these tremendous big start-ups is a fallacy.”

The podcast episode explored questions the play raises about reality and energy within the age of AI, and whether or not there’s a “social contract” associated to using AI.

Downey’s upcoming function as Physician Doom in “Avengers: Doomsday” will convey him again to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.