doesnBԪַt think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using artificial intelligence. But if they did, he would lawyer up BԪַ even posthumously.
On a recent episode of the BԪַOn With Kara SwisherBԪַ podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intends to BԪַsue all future executivesBԪַ who allow an AI-created version of him. Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he does not want his likeness recreated by AI technology.
BԪַI am not worried about them hijacking my characterBԪַs soul because thereBԪַs 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,BԪַ Downey said.
Swisher noted that those executives would eventually be replaced.
BԪַWell, youBԪַre right,BԪַ Downey said. BԪַI would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec.BԪַ
BԪַYouBԪַll be dead,BԪַ Swisher said.
Downey replied: BԪַBut my law firm will still be very active.BԪַ
Representatives for Marvel Studios and for Downey did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The discussion comes amid the Hollywood video game performersBԪַ strike, which began in July after more than 18 months of negotiations over a new interactive media agreement with game industry giants broke down over protections.
Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have billed the issues behind the labor dispute BԪַ and AI in particular BԪַ as an existential crisis for performers. Concerns about how movie studios will use last yearBԪַs film and television strikes by the union, which lasted four months. SAG-AFTRA requiring productions to get the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used.
A spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA said that Downey has the right to deny any digital replica uses in film because of CaliforniaBԪַs new law prohibiting the unauthorized replication of a dead performerBԪַs likenesses without prior consent. That law, signed by California Gov. Gavin BԪַom in September, was sponsored by the union.
Downey made his Broadway debut this month in BԪַMcNeal,BԪַ a one-act play by that delves into themes of artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor plays the titular character, Jacob McNeal, an acclaimed novelist whose battles with alcoholism and mental illness culminate at a crucial juncture in his career.
BԪַI donBԪַt envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age,BԪַ Downey said. BԪַThe idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy.BԪַ
The podcast episode explored questions the play raises about truth and power in the age of AI, and whether there is a BԪַsocial contractBԪַ related to the use of AI.
DowneyBԪַs upcoming role as Doctor Doom in BԪַAvengers: DoomsdayBԪַ will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.