The latest installment of the Alien franchise, Alien: Romulus, has stirred controversy over its use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate the likeness of late actor Ian Holm, who originally appeared in 1979 Alien. Holm, known for his roles in Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies, passed away in 2020 at the age of 88.
Fan Reactions:
- Many fans expressed dissatisfaction with the AI-generated version of Holm. Reactions on social media criticized the film’s decision, with some calling it a “cynical attempt” and feeling that it detracted from the viewing experience. Comments included concerns about using a deceased actor’s likeness and the ethics surrounding it.
Director’s Explanation:
- Director Fede Alvarez defended the use of AI, emphasizing that the intention was not to replicate Holm’s acting talent but to maintain the character’s likeness. Alvarez consulted Holm’s widow, Sophie de Stempel, and obtained approval from his family before proceeding. He noted that the use of AI was a specific choice for this film and not indicative of a trend to replace actors with digital replicas.
Production Details:
- For the film, an animatronic model of Holm was used on set, and British actor Daniel Betts provided facial performances and dialogue. Betts’ voice was later altered using AI technology to resemble Holm’s voice. Alvarez mentioned that this process was more expensive and complex than simply hiring an actor.
Legislative Context:
- Debate over AI-generated likenesses is timely as California is considering new legislation. Two bills, AB 1836 and AB 2602, address the use of AI to create digital replicas of both deceased and living performers without consent. Bills are expected to reach Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk soon, reflecting growing concerns in the entertainment industry about AI and digital likenesses.
Additional Notes:
- Alvarez believes that AI will not fully replace actors the in future, not the ng that the technology used for Alien: Romulus was specific to the film’s needs and not indicative of a broader trend.
This situation highlights ongoing debates about the ethical implications of using AI to resurrect deceased actors and the evolving landscape of entertainment technology.
