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

Nicolas Cage has publicly criticized the use of artificial intelligence in acting, warning that any actor who allows AI to alter their performance is heading towards "a dead end." He emphasized that "robots cannot reflect the human condition," a sentiment he shared while accepting the best actor award for his role in "Dream Scenario" at the Saturn Awards, as reported by Variety.

In his acceptance speech, Cage expressed gratitude towards director Kristoffer Borgli for his multifaceted contributions to the film. However, he shifted focus to a more pressing concern: the emerging influence of AI. "I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us," Cage declared, stressing that allowing AI to manipulate performances, even minimally, could lead to a complete erosion of artistic integrity. "An inch will eventually become a mile and all integrity, purity, and truth of art will be replaced by financial interests only," he warned, urging the preservation of the human essence in art.

Cage's view on the role of art, particularly in film, is to serve as a mirror to the human condition, a task he believes AI is incapable of fulfilling. "A robot can’t do that," he stated, cautioning that reliance on AI could strip art of its emotional depth and authenticity, resulting in a "mush" devoid of human response. He concluded with a call to protect artistic expressions from AI interference.

Cage is not alone in his concerns; many in the voice acting community have also voiced opposition to AI. High-profile voice actors like Ned Luke from "Grand Theft Auto 5" and Doug Cockle of "The Witcher" have criticized the use of AI in replicating their performances, pointing out the potential loss of income and the ethical implications of such technology.

The film industry itself remains divided on the topic. While legendary director Tim Burton finds AI-generated art "very disturbing," Zack Snyder, known for directing "Justice League" and "Rebel Moon," advocates for embracing AI rather than resisting it.