Nicolas Cage Slams AI Acting: 'Robots Can't Capture Human Essence'

Nicolas Cage has expressed strong opposition to the use of artificial intelligence in acting, warning that it poses a significant threat to the integrity of artistic performance. During his acceptance speech for the best actor award at the Saturn Awards for his role in "Dream Scenario," Cage voiced his concerns about AI's growing influence.

"I have to thank Kristoffer Borgli for his direction, his writing, his editing, and for creating this incredibly disturbing but hilarious world that he dreamt up," Cage began. "But there is another world that is also disturbing me. It’s happening right now around all of us: the new AI world. I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us. Robots cannot reflect the human condition for us. That is a dead end if an actor lets one AI robot manipulate his or her performance even a little bit. An inch will eventually become a mile, and all integrity, purity, and truth of art will be replaced by financial interests only. We can’t let that happen."

Cage emphasized the essential role of art in mirroring the human condition, stating, "The job of all art in my view, film performance included, is to hold a mirror to the external and internal stories of the human condition through the very human, thoughtful, and emotional process of recreation. A robot can’t do that. If we let robots do that, it will lack all heart and eventually lose edge and turn to mush. There will be no human response to life as we know it. It will be life as robots tell us to know it. I say, protect yourselves from AI interfering with your authentic and honest expressions."

Nicolas Cage has warned against the use of AI. Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images.

Cage is not alone in his concerns. The use of AI, particularly in voice acting, has sparked significant backlash from other actors. Ned Luke, known for his role in "Grand Theft Auto 5," criticized a chatbot that used his voice without permission, highlighting the potential for AI to undermine actors' livelihoods. Similarly, Doug Cockle, the voice behind "The Witcher," acknowledged AI's inevitability but warned of its dangers, echoing Luke's sentiments about the financial impact on voice actors.

The film industry has also seen a divide in opinions on AI. While legendary director Tim Burton has described AI-generated art as "very disturbing," Zack Snyder, director of "Justice League" and "Rebel Moon," advocates for embracing AI rather than resisting it, suggesting filmmakers should not remain passive in the face of technological advancement.