AI Use of Deceased Actors in Movies Will Be Affected by New California Law

Just a few weeks following the release of Alien: Romulus, which marked the return of the late Ian Holm to the screen in 2020, the California state Senate has approved a bill that imposes stricter regulations on movie studios attempting to resurrect actors using artificial intelligence.

Romulus’ posthumous performance is not a novel occurrence in the film industry, as the practice of resurrecting actors for new movies has been established for more than a decade.

Thanks to AI, it has become effortless to bring back actors who have recently passed away, such as Carrie Fisher, Peter Cushing, Harold Ramis, and Paul Walker, and have them reprise their iconic roles.

The recently passed California bill (AB 1836), supported by groups such as SAG-AFTRA, mandates that family estates must give permission in order for an actor’s likeness to be used in AI-generated performances.

Ian Holm was brought back to life in Alien: Romulus using AI and CGI

SAG-AFTRA released a statement stating that the California Senate has prohibited the use of digital replicas of deceased performers in various forms of media such as films, TV shows, videogames, audiobooks, and sound recordings without obtaining prior consent from the performers’ estates.

“The recent passing of AB 1836 marks another success in SAG-AFTRA’s continual efforts to strengthen performer safeguards in an era of advanced artificial intelligence. This achievement, combined with the passing of AB 2602 earlier this week, strengthens the comprehensive system of protections we have established through both legislative and contractual means.”

In the current industry, it is not mandatory for studios to obtain consent from estates before utilizing AI to recreate the appearance of performers. Although permission is commonly sought, the proposed bill would make it necessary to do so.

As of now, the bill has been approved and awaits the signature of Gov. Gavin Newsom for it to be officially enacted into law.

Despite the use of CGI, audiences are typically opposed to the inclusion of deceased actors in films. The Flash’s use of Christopher Reeve’s likeness in 2023 serves as a prominent example of this resistance. Furthermore, his family reportedly had no involvement in the creation of the cameo.

Despite being a step in the right direction, there are still some comments on social media indicating that audiences believe this measure is insufficient and are pushing for the complete abolishment of AI resurrections.

According to a comment from a user on X, found on the website “https://x.com/CarlosAlonzoM/status/1830052575858569288”, “I don’t believe this should be allowed, even if the estate gives permission. It’s essentially agreeing to forfeit all rights after death.”

“Another reminded that receiving a large sum of money in exchange for approval does not excuse the use of AI as being creatively bankrupt and distasteful.”

To find your next watch, don’t forget to browse through all the top movies of 2024. Additionally, be sure to browse the selection of new movies and TV shows available for streaming this month.