Andy Serkis’ latest comments suggest he is comfortable with AI and CGI taking over the industry.

Andy Serkis, best known for his portrayal of Gollum in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, owes a lot to the kind of practical effects used for his character. Created using a combination of CGI and practical effects, the LOTR franchise brought forth a huge transformation in visual effects when it comes to modern filmmaking.

Things have changed for Andy Serkis. | Marvel
However, Serkis appears to have switched his perspective. Recent comments, signifying his plan to work on a project with AI characters, is bound to irk LOTR fans. After all, for an artist who owes much to practical effects and ‘makeup magic,’ Serkis description of AI technology sticks out like a sore thumb.

Andy Serkis’ latest comments on AI suggest stark change in perspective since LOTR days

Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings. | Warner Bros.
During a panel at the UK’s Labour Party conference, Serkis revealed that his production company, Imaginarium, is working on a new project that will feature “AI characters” in a narrative-driven story. According to Serkis, the project starts with 2D characters created by voice actors, which then evolve into AI-generated figures in augmented reality (AR).

His description of AI as “another form of magic that is frightening people” has provoked strong reactions, especially for Lord of the Rings fans, who grew up on characters who were only enhanced by CGI ‘when absolutely necessary.’

Serkis said (via Deadline)

“It is another form of magic that is frightening people,” he added. “Even the biggest VFX companies are not creating as great things as individuals in their basements. It is much misunderstood, much maligned and lumped together in the same way that people probably felt the internet was going to destroy everyone’s lives.”

The Lord of the Rings was not only a breakthrough for CGI, but also a testament to the efforts of VFX artists, who spent countless hours perfecting every detail.

Andy Serkis believes the use of AI does not sideline actors

Andy Serkis as Gollum. | Warner Bros.
The general perception has been that the increasing use of AI is bad news for actors, who might eventually even be replaced completely by technology. However, the actor claimed that increasing use of AI was similar to the way performance capture was met by the industry, decades ago:

“It’s taken a long time for actors to even understand what it is to put on a costume or make-up but stand in a [special] suit and do essentially what you do [normally], which is act,” he added. “We need the permissions to be there so you are able in some way to monetize these artists’ [work] in a proper way.”

He claimed that actors took a long time to understand how to perform in special suits and said that AI technology will require similar adjustments. Further, while Serkis suggested this will have minimal impact on actors looking to monetize their work, there is bound to be doubt, considering it minimizes artist involvement in ways never seen before.