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

Tuesday

Kennedy Felton Lifestyle Correspondent

By Kennedy Felton (Lifestyle Correspondent), Michael Edwards (Video Editor)

“Friends” alum Lisa Kudrow is speaking out about artificial intelligence in Hollywood, and she’s not holding back. Her criticism centers on Tom Hanks’ new film, “Here,” and the technology driving it.

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Directed by Robert Zemeckis, “Here” premiered in October and showcases AI-driven de-aging technology. The film spans decades, using generative AI to make stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright appear younger.

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The tool behind these visuals, Metaphysic Live, seamlessly de-ages actors. Members of Metaphysic’s team have done previous AI work on projects such as “ABBA: Voyage,” the “Star Wars” saga and “Guardians of the Galaxy.”

Lisa Kudrow raises concerns about AI

Kudrow recently shared her thoughts on the “Armchair Expert” podcast. She described “Here” as “an endorsement of AI,” adding, “It’s not like, ‘Oh, it’s going to ruin everything.’ But what will be left for, forget actors, but what about up-and-coming actors?”

Her concern highlights a growing debate about AI’s impact on Hollywood. Many fear the technology could sideline younger actors trying to break into the industry.

A partnership driving AI innovation

Metaphysic Live has partnered with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to develop generative AI tools for talent. Joanna Popper, CAA’s chief metaverse officer, praised the tools, saying they could “unlock an incredible opportunity for the entertainment industry and beyond.”

Zemeckis stands firmly behind the technology’s role in “Here,” saying, “The film simply wouldn’t work without our actors seamlessly transforming into younger versions of themselves. Metaphysic’s AI tools do exactly that.”

During production, actors could even use a “youth mirror.” This allowed them to see their younger selves in real time, helping them make specific performance choices.

Tom Hanks reflects on AI’s evolution

Hanks has been open about AI’s potential in Hollywood. Speaking on “The Adam Buxton Podcast,” he recalled working on Zemeckis’ 2004 film “The Polar Express.” At that time, motion capture technology laid the groundwork for today’s innovations.

With AI and deepfakes advancing rapidly, Hanks acknowledged the possibility of pitching movies with his younger likeness—even after his death. It’s a controversial prospect that raises questions about the future of filmmaking.

The ongoing AI debate in Hollywood

For Kudrow, this new era of AI raises alarms. While seasoned actors like Hanks can license their likeness, younger performers may face limited opportunities.

The debate continues to grow. Recently, the Writers Guild of America urged major studios to address AI plagiarism concerns –– a story SAN reported on last week.

As AI reshapes filmmaking, Kudrow’s critique reflects an industry wrestling with progress, ethics and the future of creativity.

Tags: Artificial Intelligence, Entertainment, film, Generative AI, Hollywood, movies, podcast

[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.