Cage Slams AI Acting: "Dead End," Lacks Human Condition

Nicolas Cage has delivered a scathing critique of artificial intelligence, asserting that any actor who allows AI to influence their performance is heading towards "a dead end." In his view, robots are incapable of capturing the complexities of the human condition.

Speaking at the Saturn Awards, where he received the Best Actor award for his role in Dream Scenario, Cage used his acceptance speech to express his concerns. He thanked director Kristoffer Borgli, but then shifted his focus to the burgeoning AI landscape.

"It’s happening right now around all of us: the new AI world," Cage stated. "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 crucial role of art in mirroring the human experience, a process he believes requires genuine human emotion and thoughtfulness – qualities he contends AI lacks. He warned that allowing AI to take over this creative process would result in art devoid of heart, ultimately losing its impact and becoming bland. He urged actors to protect their authentic expression from AI interference.

Cage's concerns are echoed by other actors, particularly in the voice acting industry, where AI-generated performances are becoming more prevalent. Ned Luke (Grand Theft Auto 5) and Doug Cockle (The Witcher) have both voiced opposition, citing concerns about the financial implications of AI replacing human actors.

The filmmaking community is also divided on the issue. While Tim Burton labeled AI-generated art "very disturbing," Zack Snyder advocates for embracing AI technology rather than resisting it.