In an era where artificial intelligence is becoming both a creative tool and a subject of controversy, Nicolas Cage has thrown his hat into the ring of celebrity AI critics. The 60-year-old actor, known for his eclectic roles and memorable performances, voiced concerns about the possibilities and perils of AI in a recent interview with The New Yorker. While Cage expressed apprehension about AI’s potential to misuse his digital likeness, he’s no stranger to the technology. In a move that seems paradoxical, Cage has allowed his body to be scanned for future projects that may employ AI.
In his interview with Susan Orlean, Cage revealed he was on his way to “get a scan done.” This may involve diverse applications such as matching his eye color or altering his appearance digitally. However, the actor humorously, if not a bit bewilderingly, exclaimed his dread about AI. “They’re just going to steal my body and do whatever they want with it via digital AI,” he lamented. One might think Cage is having his own “Adaptation” moment, grappling with the digital double-edged sword.
Cage’s stance on AI isn’t entirely new; he’s previously experienced the unsettling effects of AI firsthand. During the SAG-AFTRA strike last year, numerous actors, more vocal than Cage, expressed their concerns about AI’s encroaching role in the film industry. Still, Cage has had his own digital doppelgänger dilemmas. In an interview with Yahoo Entertainment last November, he described a project where he was meant to stand in an alternate dimension and witness the destruction of the universe—an experience he likened to a “nightmare.”
The actor’s relationship with AI took a turn for the uncanny in “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” a satirical action-comedy released in 2022. The film digitally de-aged Cage using AI, presenting him as both a struggling Nick Cage and a younger, spectral version named Nicky, who tormentingly critiques his present self. Initially, Cage was reluctant to play such a meta-role, feeling no part of him was inclined to portray a character named Nick Cage. However, a thoughtful letter from the film’s director persuaded him to take the plunge, blending reality and fiction in a way that only AI could make possible.
Given his past experiences and his current apprehensions, Cage’s stance on AI seems to oscillate between cautious curiosity and existential dread. Perhaps his consent to undergo body scanning for future projects stems from a similar persuasive pitch, or maybe it’s a professional necessity in a rapidly evolving industry. Either way, Cage’s comments highlight the complex relationship between actors and AI, a relationship that promises to be as dynamic and unpredictable as the technology itself.
As Hollywood navigates the uncharted waters of AI, figures like Nicolas Cage serve as both participants and commentators. While his fears of a digital dystopia may seem exaggerated, they reflect broader industry concerns about control, creativity, and consent. Cage’s journey with AI is a testament to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, reminding us that in this digital age, reality is often stranger than fiction.
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