Lisa Kudrow Criticizes Tom Hanks' Here as "Endorsement for AI" Amid Growing Concerns in Film Industry

Lisa Kudrow, former Friends star, has criticized Tom Hanks' new film Here, calling it "an endorsement for AI."

While discussing aging with Dax Shepard on the Armchair Expert podcast, Lisa Kudrow described Here as a sign of crisis for the film industry.

Kudrow said the film felt like an endorsement for AI, expressing concern about its impact on the future. She worried that instead of new actors, the industry would rely on licensing and reusing old performances.

Here, directed by Robert Zemeckis, stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright as a married couple in a story about characters living in one location whose history unfolds over time. The film heavily uses an AI tool called Metaphysic Live to de-age and swap actors' faces.

Kudrow pointed out that AI tools allow actors to immediately see the results of de-aging, saying they can shoot a scene and then instantly view themselves as younger.

Kudrow questioned what work will be left for humans, suggesting that if people no longer need to work, there might be some kind of living stipend, but doubted it would be enough.

In 2023, Metaphysic, the company behind Metaphysic Live, partnered with talent agency CAA to develop AI tools and services. Director Robert Zemeckis praised the company, calling them leaders in AI-driven content. Kevin Baillie, the film's visual effects supervisor, highlighted how Metaphysic's AI seamlessly integrates into scenes, allowing actors to see their younger selves in real time for acting decisions. Metaphysic also created the AI-generated likeness of actor Ian Holm in Alien: Romulus.

Concerns about the unchecked use of AI were a major issue in the writers' and actors' strikes, with protections included in the resolutions. However, some, like Stranger Things star Matthew Modine, still worry that these protections are insufficient against the growing impact of AI on the entertainment industry.