Tom Hanks Believes He Will Keep Appearing In Movies After He Passes Thanks To AI Technology

May 23, 2023

Tom Hanks is aware that he could live forever and keep making movies long after he dies, thanks to artificial intelligence (AI) technology. But the award-winning actor also knows that these future developments could create more legal and artistic challenges.

The 66-year-old actor discussed AI technology in movie production during a guest appearance on "The Adam Buxton Podcast" in April 2023. He believes that AI, along with deepfake technologies, may allow actors to continue to make films even if they have passed away.  

The award-winning star's remarks come in light of the upcoming premiere of "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" with Harrison Ford at the esteemed Cannes Film Festival, which gave the audience a glimpse of the remarkable technology to de-age actors and recreate their youthful appearances.

Hanks reminisced about the early signs of this technological revolution, citing his 2004 movie "The Polar Express." Director Robert Zemeckis used motion capture technology to transform computer-generated images into believable human faces and characters. Since then, the capabilities of AI and deepfake technology have grown exponentially.

The "Forrest Gump" star admitted that he was most struck by today's advancements to recreate an actor's physical features at any age, prompting him to think about his continued existence in the movies. He mused about the potential to pitch a series of movies where he would be forever frozen in time at the age of 32, defying the limitations imposed by mortality.

However, Hanks also acknowledged the challenges that may arise from using AI-generated actors, as it will become increasingly hard to discern between genuine human performances and their AI counterparts. The seasoned Hollywood star also cited issues like intellectual property rights, especially when it comes to the likeness and voice of the actor.

Hanks also said that an AI version of himself might one day star in a movie that he won't normally do. He knows that guilds, agencies, and firms or organizations within Hollywood are in discussions about this latest advancement. The stars and their representatives are trying to figure out the legal implications of this technology with the current laws in place. 

"Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are by way of AI or deep fake technology," Hanks said, per Variety. "I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that’s it, but performances can go on and on and on and on.”

However, Hanks still thinks that his fans prefer his human performance compared to his AI version. But then again, other members of the audience could care less about watching AI actors. 

"Without a doubt, people will be able to tell, but the question is, will they care?” the actor said, per Forbes. “There are some people that won’t care, that won’t make that delineation.”

Meanwhile, Hanks released his first novel, "The Making of Another Major Motion Picture Masterpiece," in May 2023. The actor wrote the story during the lockdowns, and it delves into the production of a superhero movie. 

The novel also explores the different types of people working in Hollywood, such as the problematic and difficult stars, the strange writers, and countless interesting workers behind the scenes. Though much of the story might be drawn from his real-life experiences on the set, after working in the movies since 1977, the novel is also about how films are made. 

Do you agree with Tom Hanks’ assessment about the use of AI in making movies? Would you prefer to watch his human performance or his AI version? What’s your take on this whole trend? Know someone interested in this topic as well? Then pass this story along!