Lisa Kudrow raises concerns over use of AI in Tom Hanks’ film ‘Here’

[Kennedy Felton]

“Friends” alum Lisa Kudrow is speaking out about the use of AI in Hollywood, particularly in the new film “Here” starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright.

Robert Zemeckis’ latest film premiered in October, showcasing de-aging using elements of deep-faking and generative AI technology to mixed reactions. The film follows a story spanning decades, using AI to make Hanks and Wright appear as younger versions of themselves.

The tool responsible for these visuals is called “Metaphysic Live,” known for its ability to face swap and de-age actors. The company has previously worked with projects like “ABBA: Voyage” and even “Star Wars.”

Kudrow recently appeared on the “Armchair Expert” podcast to share her thoughts on the technology. “All I got from that was, this is an endorsement for AI and, ‘Oh my God.’ It’s not like, ‘Oh it’s going to ruin everything,’ but will there be left for, forget actors, but what about up and coming actors?” Kudrow said.

Metaphysic Live announced a strategic partnership last year with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to develop generative AI tools for talent. Joanna Popper, Chief Metaverse Officer for CAA, said in the press release that Metaphysic’s tools combined with their ethics-first approach and thought leadership could unlock an incredible opportunity for the entertainment industry and beyond.

The director of “Here,” Robert Zemeckis, said, “I’ve always been attracted to technology that helps me to tell a story. With HERE, the film simply wouldn’t work without our actors seamlessly transforming into younger versions of themselves. Metaphysic’s AI tools do exactly that.”

The film’s production visual effects supervisor says actors could even test out a “youth mirror,” allowing them to watch their younger selves in real time and make performance choices on the spot.

The film’s star, Tom Hanks, made headlines last year after he spoke about the use of AI on “The Adam Buxton Podcast.” He pointed to his experience with Zemeckis’ 2004 film “The Polar Express,” in which Hanks played seven roles. He says that was the first time technology captured massive amounts of data to digitize performances, explaining that with AI and deepfakes, he could pitch movies as a younger version of himself even after his death.

For Zemeckis, the movie perfectly aligns with his filmography, having previously broken new ground in filmmaking technology with “Who Framed Roger Rabbit” and “Forrest Gump,” as well as pioneering motion capture techniques used in most current day blockbusters.

But for Kudrow, this is where the concern lies. She fears younger actors will struggle to break through in an industry where productions can simply license the likeness of legends like Tom Hanks.

The debate over AI continues to gain steam in Hollywood. The Writers Guild of America recently called on major studios to address AI plagiarism concerns, something we reported to you last week.