De-Aging Tech in Hollywood: A Double-Edged Sword

Published Date: 18/07/2024

As AI technology continues to advance, I fear that it may not only revolutionize the film industry but also threaten the very essence of humanity.

In my long and eventful life, I've had to adapt to numerous technological revolutions. From relying on basic arithmetic to mastering the first Amstrad word processor, I've braved the frustrations of my grandchildren and now effortlessly navigate Google, Zoom, and unmute. However, the latest breakthrough in artificial intelligence has left me perplexed. I seriously doubt that I'll be able to grasp its full potential before I pass on to the next life.

Tom Hanks' recent film, where he uses AI to play himself as a young boy and man, has me wondering about the implications of this technology on my profession. Will it be possible to de-age just my face, leaving my body as it is? The thought of it is macabre.

One potential advantage of this technology is that it could help actors who have built their careers on their physical appearance. Instead of resorting to cosmetic surgery, hair dye, and thick makeup, they could simply be de-aged by AI and continue to play glamorous roles.

But can I, at 90, be made to look 14 again? Does that mean I could play Juliet? I vaguely understand that AI would create a mashup of my past performances to guess how I would look in the role. However, wouldn't that limit my ability to make quirky, unexpected choices that I might have made if I were actually playing the role?

I was recently sent a demo of songs that someone wants me to record and perform, using an AI version of my voice superimposed on orchestrations used by legendary artists. The trouble is that the AI voice sounds better than I could ever hope to produce in reality.

I fear that AI could eventually replace us entirely. If we can create new Beethoven symphonies or reenactments of George Best's football matches, do we still need to mourn the loss of these legends? They could simply go on composing and playing into eternity.

Will we eventually eliminate old age, or at least the appearance of it? If President Biden uses an AI version of himself for interviews, it could be programmed to be gaffe-free. But wouldn't that deprive him of the opportunity to learn from his mistakes?

For such a potentially seismic change to our way of life, there is not enough accessible information available for people like me. I'll have to rely on my grandchildren to educate me once again. AI can be a powerful force for good, but we must ensure that we use it wisely, preserving creativity, originality, and eccentricity.

As I look to the future, I hope that there are clever people working together to harness the potential of AI, not just for scientific and financial gain, but for the betterment of humanity. We must preserve our souls, the very qualities that make us human."

FAQS:

Q: What is de-aging technology?

A: De-aging technology uses artificial intelligence to make people appear younger, often in film and television productions.

Q: How does de-aging technology work?

A: De-aging technology creates a mashup of an actor's past performances to guess how they would look in a role, and can even do the acting for them.

Q: What are the potential advantages of de-aging technology?

A: De-aging technology could help actors who have built their careers on their physical appearance, allowing them to continue playing glamorous roles without the need for cosmetic surgery or makeup.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of de-aging technology?

A: De-aging technology could potentially replace human actors, limit their ability to make creative choices, and deprive them of the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

Q: How can de-aging technology be used for good?

A: De-aging technology can be a powerful force for good if used wisely, preserving creativity, originality, and eccentricity, and enhancing the human experience.

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