Nicolas Cage has a stern warning about AI following that terrifying ‘Flash’ cameo

After an illustrious career spanning over four decades, Nicolas Cage—a legendary actor and Academy Award winner—could have easily chosen to retire, basking in the glow of his past achievements. Instead, the Coppola scion has taken on the role of advocate for younger actors in Hollywood while raising concerns about the rapid rise of AI technology in the industry.

Despite last year’s SAG-AFTRA strike, which aimed to protect actors’ rights amid rising AI concerns, Hollywood’s embrace of artificial intelligence remains unwavering. While we might not be living in a full-blown Asimovian dystopia, the situation is troubling. AI technologies are evolving quickly; what began with the use of deepfakes to de-age actors has escalated to scanning performers’ faces and voices for replication in any context. Even HAL 9000 would likely be impressed by the current state of AI.

Cage has emerged as a vocal critic of these developments, particularly following his unsettling experience in *The Flash*, where AI was used inappropriately for his cameo. During a recent speech at the 25th Newport Beach Film Festival, he addressed the implications of this new technology, referred to as EBDR (employment-based digital replica). He emphasized, “This technology wants to take your instrument. We are the instruments as film actors. The studios want this so they can change your face, voice, line deliveries, body language, and performance after you’ve already shot it.”

Under EBDR agreements, actors allow studios to create digital replicas of their performances, granting studios unprecedented control over how they are portrayed on screen. While actors signing these agreements may receive payment for non-working days, many newcomers lack the same bargaining power and are left vulnerable to exploitation. Cage urged caution, advising young actors to think carefully before signing contracts that permit studios to manipulate their likenesses. He coined the acronym MVMFMBMI—“my voice, my face, my body, my imagination”—to emphasize the importance of protecting their artistic integrity.

The acceleration of AI technology has taken many by surprise. Just a few years ago, AI was more often a hindrance in creative fields rather than a helpful tool. Now, however, the line between AI-generated content and authentic creativity is blurring. This raises pressing concerns about the future of work, as general-purpose AI threatens to replace human labor in various sectors. Although AI may not yet match the creativity or reliability of skilled professionals, its rapid evolution is unsettling, leaving many to ponder a future where humans might be rendered obsolete.

Cage’s advocacy serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers posed by AI in Hollywood and beyond. As technology continues to advance, it’s imperative for artists to remain vigilant about their rights and the preservation of their craft.