Robert Downey Jr To Sue Marvel And Others For Using AI Replica Of Tony Stark

Robert Downey Jr To Sue Marvel And Others For Using AI Replica Of Tony Stark

The SAG-AFTRA's new deal and California laws protect actors' digital replicas

Robert Downey Jr. has stated that he plans to sue Marvel Studios executives if they recreate his Tony Stark character using artificial intelligence (Al) technology.

The 59-year-old American actor expressed concerns about his likeness being used without consent amidst Hollywood strikes over Al usage. His current role in 'McNeal' explores Al themes.

The SAG-AFTRA's new deal and California laws protect actors' digital replicas.

Downey said Marvel executives would never recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark using AI technology, but if they did, he would lawyer up - even posthumously!

On a recent episode of the ‘On With Kara Swisher’ podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intended to "sue all future executives" who allowed an AI-created version of him.

Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he did not want his likeness recreated by AI technology.

He reiterated, "I am not worried about them hijacking my character's soul because there's like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway and they would never do that to me, with or without me.”

When Swisher remarked that those executives would eventually be replaced, Downey said, "Well, you're right. I intend to sue all future executives just on spec."

On Swisher’s response, "You'll be dead," Downey replied, "But my law firm will still be very active."

The discussion arose amid the Hollywood video game performers' strike, which began in July after over 18 months of negotiations on a new interactive media agreement with gaming industry giants broke down over AI protections.

Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have billed the issues behind the labor dispute, particularly AI, as an existential crisis for performers.

In 2023, concerns about how movie studios would use Al fueled a four-month strike by the film and television union. Ultimately, SAG-AFTRA signed a deal requiring productions to get consent from actors whose digital replicas were used.

A spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA said that Downey had the right to deny any digital replica usage in films because of California's new law prohibiting the unauthorized use of a dead performer's likenesses without prior consent.

Signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom in September, the union sponsored the law.

Meanwhile, Downey recently made his Broadway debut in ‘McNeal’, a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar. It delves into AI themes, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement.

He plays the titular role of Jacob McNeal, an acclaimed novelist whose battles with alcoholism and mental illness culminated at a crucial juncture in his career.

Downey remarked, "I don't envy anyone who has been over-identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age. The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy."

The podcast episode explored questions about truth and power in the age of AI, and whether there was a ‘social contract’ related to the use of AI.

Meanwhile, Downey's upcoming role as Doctor Doom in ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.