Nicolas Cage Slams AI in Acting: 'Dead End' for Reflecting Human Emotion

Nicolas Cage, in a passionate Saturn Awards acceptance speech, decried the use of artificial intelligence in acting, warning that actors who allow AI to influence their performances are heading towards a creative dead end. As reported by Variety, Cage, accepting the Best Actor award for his role in Dream Scenario, expressed his concerns about AI's potential to diminish the authenticity of acting.

"I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us," Cage stated. He emphasized that robots are incapable of truly reflecting the human condition, arguing that allowing AI to manipulate even slightly an actor's performance will ultimately compromise artistic integrity and replace genuine expression with purely financial motivations.

Cage highlighted the crucial role of art, including acting, in mirroring the complexities of the human experience through a thoughtful and emotional creative process. He asserted that AI lacks the capacity for this genuine human connection, predicting that its use will ultimately lead to a soulless, uninspired, and ultimately robotic portrayal of life. He urged his fellow actors to resist AI's encroachment on their authentic artistic expressions.

Cage's stance echoes those of other actors, particularly within the voice acting community, where AI's use has been more prominent. Several voice actors, including Ned Luke (Grand Theft Auto 5) and Doug Cockle (The Witcher), have voiced concerns about AI's impact on their livelihoods and the integrity of their work. Cockle, while acknowledging AI's inevitability, described it as "dangerous" and highlighted the threat of income loss.

The film industry itself is also divided on the issue. While director Tim Burton expressed concerns about AI-generated art, Zack Snyder advocated for its embrace, urging filmmakers not to remain passive in the face of this technological shift.