Hollywood is divided over their perspectives on AI in the film industry. Tom Cruise, Keanu Reeves and Harrison Ford share their opinion on the matter.

Currently, with technological advancements continuously redefining the boundaries of filmmaking, Hollywood icons are getting divided over their opinion on AI and digital innovations. Actors like Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves are taking their stance and being vocal critics of AI and deepfake technologies.

Tom Cruise in a still from Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol | Paramount Pictures

Meanwhile, other prominent figures like Harrison Ford appear to be taking a completely different stance on the advancement of technology. Celebrated for his roles in timeless classics, the A-lister is openly embracing AI-driven de-aging technologies and other innovative approaches.

Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves’ Reservations About AI and Deepfakes

As storytelling techniques evolve in Hollywood against the backdrop of technological advancements, there appears a strong debate over the future of AI and its influence on filmmaking. Several actors and Hollywood professionals have thus voiced their opinions on the matter, wherein icons like Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves took their stance against AI.

Joining the SAG-AFTRA negotiations to discuss AI and stunt work in Hollywood, Tom Cruise expressed his concerns over AI advancements in Hollywood. Seeking new guidelines on AI in TV and film, Cruise urged for proper compensation of performers, as per Vanity Fair. Meanwhile, Keanu Reeves expressed his strict decision not to partake in films that include deepfake edits.

Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick | Paramount Pictures

During his conversation with Wired, Keanu Reeves openly admitted that he isn’t thrilled about certain technological advancements. Having feisty opinions about the latest advance in artificial intelligence, Reeves noted that he would never surrender to machines. Adamant about capturing as much flesh-and-blood action as possible, through his films, Reeves put his foot down regarding deepfakes.

Keanu Reeves as John Wick in John Wick: Chapter 4 | Lionsgate

I don’t mind if someone takes a blink out during an edit. But early on, in the early 2000s, or it might have been the ’90s, I had a performance changed. They added a tear to my face, and I was just like, “Huh?!” It was like, I don’t even have to be here.

What’s frustrating about that is you lose your agency. When you give a performance in a film, you know you’re going to be edited, but you’re participating in that. If you go into deepfake land, it has none of your points of view. That’s scary.

However, while Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves have been outspoken in their reservations about AI and deepfakes, veteran actor Harrison Ford offered contrasting opinions on technological advancements.

Harrison Ford Praises Technological Advancements in Hollywood 

While most Hollywood professionals have expressed concerns about the potential misuse of AI in manipulating visual content, and thus participated in the 2023 Hollywood strikes, Harrison Ford appeared on the opposite end of the debate, embracing these advancements. Appreciated by a global audience, for his roles in Star Wars and Indiana Jones, Ford has not shied away from the transformative possibilities presented by AI-driven de-aging technology.

According to an interview with Total Film magazine, Harrison Ford, known for his rugged charm and cinematic gravitas, apparently praised de-aging and deepfakes during Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Stating how these advancements allowed him the ability to push the story while turning back time, Ford championed the integration of AI in filmmaking.

Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny | Walt Disney Entertainment

[De-aging technology is] an intriguing, useful, and extremely sophisticated story device… Yeah. In fact, when I look in the mirror, I still see that guy with brown hair.

Further stating how a lot of improvement is required for AI to expand creative horizons while preserving the integrity of beloved characters, Harrison Ford embraced digital advancements. While actors like Tom Cruise and Keanu Reeves advocated for preserving traditional methods and safeguarding against digital manipulation, Ford praised AI as a tool for enhancing storytelling capabilities.