Robert Downey Jr warns of legal action over AI replicas: “I intend to sue future executives”

In a recent podcast interview, Downey expressed his strong opposition to the creation of digital replicas of himself.

October 30, 2024 - 4:00 PM IST

Robert Downey Jr. has issued a stern warning to Hollywood studios regarding the potential misuse of AI technology. In a recent podcast interview, Downey expressed his strong opposition to the creation of digital replicas of himself, emphasizing that he intends to take legal action against any studio that attempts to do so without his explicit consent.

Robert Downey Jr warns of legal action over AI replicas: “I intend to sue future executives”

The actor's concerns stem from the rapid advancement of AI and deepfake technology, which has the potential to generate highly realistic digital representations of individuals. While Downey acknowledges the potential benefits of such technology, he is wary of its misuse, particularly in the entertainment industry. In a conversation with “On With Kara Swisher” podcast, he said, “I intend to sue all future executives," Downey declared.

He further emphasized that he is not concerned about Marvel Studios misusing his character, as he trusts the current leadership to handle such matters responsibly. He said, “There’s two tracks. How do I feel about everything that’s going on? I feel about it minimally because I have an actual emotional life that’s occurring that doesn’t have a lot of room for that.”

However, Downey's concerns extend beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is particularly critical of the growing influence of AI companies and their founders, such as OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Downey believes, “To go back to the MCU, I am not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul because there’s like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway and they would never do that to me, with or without me.”

"The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy," Downey stated. He argued that these individuals are not the rightful owners of the technology and that they should be held accountable for its potential negative impacts.

Downey's stance on AI and digital replicas reflects a growing concern among many artists and creators about the ethical implications of these technologies. As AI continues to advance, it is crucial to establish clear guidelines and regulations to protect the rights of individuals and prevent the misuse of their likeness.

In the meantime, Downey is focused on his upcoming projects, including his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the villainous Doctor Doom. This role marks a significant departure from his iconic portrayal of Iron Man and demonstrates his versatility as an actor.