Will James Cameron Replace Actors With AI?

Sean Astin says James Cameron will not replace actors with AI, and that Cameron does use AI tools in other parts of filmmaking. Astin is a veteran actor and president of SAG-AFTRA.

Cameron called and asked Astin to arrange a demonstration for the union people who work on AI issues. Cameron, known for Titanic and the Avatar films, had a scene performed by Sigourney Weaver and others. He did not want the movie grouped with a thoughtless corporate use of AI. The union group worked through the scene, felt inspired by it, and asked critical questions. Cameron stayed and answered them.

Astin calls the approach human-centered. People can create with nothing but their voices, and they can use this technology to express themselves. He does not expect the change in movie and television work to arrive at light speed, and he has tried to slow it down.