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

Nicolas Cage has voiced strong opposition to the use of artificial intelligence in acting, warning that any actor allowing AI to alter their performance is heading towards "a dead end." Speaking at the Saturn Awards, where he won the best actor award for his role in "Dream Scenario," Cage expressed his concerns about the encroachment of AI into the creative process.

In his acceptance speech, Cage praised director Kristoffer Borgli for his work on the film but quickly shifted focus to the broader issue of AI. "I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us," he stated. "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 role of art, including film performance, in mirroring the human condition through a thoughtful and emotional process. "A robot can’t do that," he asserted. "If we let robots do that, it will lack all heart and eventually lose edge and turn to mush. There will be no human response to life as we know it. It will be life as robots tell us to know it. I say, protect yourselves from AI interfering with your authentic and honest expressions."

Cage's sentiments echo those of other actors, particularly in the voice acting community, where AI has been more prevalent. Voice actors like Ned Luke from "Grand Theft Auto 5" and Doug Cockle from "The Witcher" have criticized AI for potentially robbing them of income through unauthorized use of their voices in chatbots and other applications.

Filmmakers have also weighed in on the debate. Tim Burton has called AI-generated art "very disturbing," while Zack Snyder, known for directing "Justice League" and "Rebel Moon," advocates for embracing AI rather than resisting it.