Will AI Replace
Actors?
Partially, it will replace 30-40% of acting roles in 5-10 years, primarily affecting background actors, extras, and voice roles while main characters will likely remain human
The Path to AI Replacement
AI-Generated Extras
AI is already being used to create crowd scenes and background actors, as seen in productions like 'Ted Lasso' where 20 scanned individuals were multiplied to create a stadium of over 26,000 people.
Digital Replicas and De-aging
AI techniques are being used to de-age actors (like Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones) and create digital replicas of deceased actors (Peter Cushing in Rogue One, James Dean in upcoming Back to Eden).
AI Voice Replacement
AI voice synthesis reaching the point where it can replace voice actors for certain applications, particularly in areas like narration and background dialogue, as feared by voice actors like Hank Azaria.
Supporting Character Replacement
AI potentially replacing actors in supporting roles, with digital humans taking on more substantial parts in productions while leading roles remain predominantly human.
Industry Adaptation
Industry adapting to AI integration with new regulations, compensation models, and creative approaches that blend human and AI performances as outlined in SAG-AFTRA guidelines.
Watch More
Stanley Tucci thinks AI could replace actors in 5 to 10 years
Tools replacing Actors
DeepFaceLab
A powerful and popular deepfake software that harnesses the capabilities of AI algorithms to create realistic deepfake videos.
Reface
A user-friendly deepfake app that enables face swapping with celebrities or other people.
Synthesia
A platform used for creating deepfakes for commercial purposes, as used in Snoop Dogg commercials.
Join the Discussion
Will AI replace actors?
Realistically, some side characters might be AI, probably most extra will also be AI, but I don't think the main characters will ever be AI. People won't really enjoy the movie if they know that their favorite actor in the movie doesn't exist.
Artificial intelligence: deepfakes in the entertainment industry
The widespread adoption of deepfakes could allow for the supplanting of actors who are not celebrities, leading to job losses or a shift in how the industry hires talent for productions.
Understanding SAG-AFTRA Guidelines for A.I. in Entertainment
The SAG-AFTRA guidelines provide a valuable framework for understanding the rights and obligations of actors in the context of digital replicas.