Tom Hanks unamused as AI version of himself stars in dental plan Ad without permission

Tom Hanks cautions his 9.5 million Instagram followers about a deceptive dental plan ad featuring an AI-generated version of him. The actor clarifies that he has no involvement and urges fans to be cautious.

The Oscar-winning actor has previously voiced reservations about AI's role in the entertainment industry, despite having given the green light to digitally enhanced portrayals of himself in movies.

AI in Film Concerns

In the 2004 animated holiday film "The Polar Express," Tom Hanks was portrayed through CGI. Additionally, he underwent de-aging for certain scenes in the 2022 movie "A Man Called Otto."

During a podcast conversation with British comedian Adam Buxton on April 18, just before the Hollywood writers' strike began, Hanks shared his thoughts on AI, saying, "We anticipated this. We foresaw the capability to transform zeros and ones within a computer into a lifelike character. Since then, this technology has evolved enormously, and its presence is ubiquitous."

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Hollywood Insights

Hanks explained to Buxton that AI might enable an artificial version of him to act indefinitely.

"I could be gone tomorrow, but performances can endure indefinitely. Unless it's disclosed as AI or deepfake, you won't discern that it's not solely me. It will possess a lifelike quality, presenting both an artistic and legal challenge," he emphasized.

The recent resolution of the US writers' strike, which concluded last week, brought attention to concerns that unregulated AI could diminish the contributions of creative professionals. 

The Writers Guild of America has now ratified an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television that includes limitations on the utilization of AI in the realm of film and television.

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With the end of the US writers' strike, the debate around AI's influence in creative fields gained momentum. The Writers Guild of America's agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television takes a significant stride in regulating AI's role in entertainment.