Robert Downey Jr. Warns Against AI Usage to Recreate His Likeness

Robert Downey Jr. Issues Warning Against AI Recreation of Tony Stark

In a recent podcast appearance, Robert Downey Jr. made it clear that he is firmly against the usage of generative artificial intelligence to recreate his likeness, particularly when it comes to bringing back his iconic character, Tony Stark. The Oscar-winning actor, known for his role as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, issued a warning to potential future executives who may consider such a move.

During the podcast On With Kara Swisher, Downey discussed the dangers of the AI age and expressed his concerns about deepfakes and AI recreations. While he acknowledged that there may be a temptation for future executives to bring back characters like Tony Stark using AI technology, he made it clear that he would not stand for it.

Downey stated that he is confident in the current decision-makers at the conglomerate and believes they would not “hijack” his character’s soul. However, he jokingly added that he intends to sue all future executives who attempt to do so, emphasizing his stance on the matter.

Despite his reservations about AI technology, Downey also spoke about his longtime investment in AI companies, emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and the intentions behind the deployment of such technology.

Currently starring in the play McNeal, where he portrays a Nobel Prize-winning novelist who uses AI to write a new work, Downey continues to explore the intersection of technology and art. Additionally, he is set to return to the Marvel universe as Dr. Doom in the upcoming films Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.

As one of the highest-paid actors within the franchise universe, Downey’s stance on AI recreation and his commitment to ethical considerations in technology highlight the complexities of navigating the intersection of entertainment and artificial intelligence.