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Controversy Erupts Over AI Recreation of Ian Holm in “Alien: Romulus”
The latest installment of the “Alien” franchise, titled “Alien: Romulus,” has sparked significant discussion among fans, particularly regarding the use of artificial intelligence to resurrect the likeness of the late actor Ian Holm. Known for his roles in iconic films such as the original 1979 “Alien” and “The Lord of the Rings,” Holm passed away in 2020 at the age of 88. His CGI representation in the new film has left a number of fans feeling uneasy.
In “Alien: Romulus,” a humanoid android character named Rook is portrayed using an AI-generated likeness of Holm. This has raised eyebrows regarding the ethical implications of using advanced technology to create a digital representation of a deceased actor. Fans took to social media to express their discontent and concerns about this practice of digital resurrection.
Fan Reactions to AI Usage
The reaction to Holm’s digital appearance has been overwhelmingly critical. Comments from fans highlighted feelings of discomfort and underlying ethical concerns. One user remarked on social media, “The fake Ian Holm in ‘Romulus’ may be a cynical attempt at using a dead man’s face and voice for the sake of nostalgia,” indicating a sentiment that these portrayals exploit the legacy of actors for commercial gain. Another fan stated, “Once they showed the dead CGI face I was completely taken out of it. Let the man rest.” This negative sentiment reflects a broader anxiety about the implications of using AI to manipulate the likeness of deceased individuals.
Director Fede Alvarez addressed the controversy in an interview with the Los Angeles Times, emphasizing that the intention was to honor Holm’s legacy rather than replace his talent. Alvarez stated, “We were not trying to do what can’t be done, which is to reproduce that person’s talent as an actor.” He clarified that the character Rook carries its own identity, albeit with a resemblance to Holm.
Furthermore, Alvarez conveyed that he sought the approval of Holm’s family, reaching out to his widow, Sophie de Stempel, who gave her blessing for the project. According to Alvarez, de Stempel conveyed that “We would love to see his likeness again,” suggesting a nuanced perspective from Holm’s family in favor of the portrayal.
Technical Insights
For the production of Rook, an animatronic model resembling Holm was employed, with British actor Daniel Betts involved during the filming process to deliver the lines and contribute facial expressions. Betts’ voice was altered using generative AI technology, enabling a voice that closely mimics Holm’s. Alvarez clarified, “It’s not like we skipped hiring an actor,” highlighting the technical and labor-intensive process behind the portrayal.
Alvarez remains optimistic about the role of AI in the future of filmmaking but insists that it is unlikely to completely replace human actors. He noted that the approach taken in “Alien: Romulus” is not a sustainable or conventional choice, highlighting the extensive resources required to create such a character. “It’s so much more expensive to do it the way we did it; it’s much cheaper to just hire an actor,” he stated.
Legislative Developments
The rise of AI in film has drawn attention from lawmakers in California, prompting new legislative measures aimed at protecting the likenesses of performers, living and deceased. Recently passed bills, AB 1836 and AB 2602, seek to establish stricter guidelines for using AI to create digital replicas without the consent of the performers or their estates. SAG-AFTRA, the union representing actors, has expressed strong support for these regulations, highlighting the importance of explicit consent in the use of digital likenesses.
As the discussion surrounding AI in entertainment continues to evolve, Alvarez’s approach in “Alien: Romulus” raises questions about the boundaries of technology in honoring a performer’s legacy versus exploiting it. Fans and critics alike will watch closely as this issue unfolds within Hollywood and beyond.
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