The Screen Actors Guild's recent strike, the first in four decades, highlights growing anxieties within the entertainment industry about the role of artificial intelligence. One key concern revolves around the potential for AI to reshape the casting process, a traditionally human-driven interaction.

Actress Charisma Carpenter recently brought this issue to the forefront, sharing her concerns on social media about an email she received from Largo.ai, a Swiss company developing AI tools for the entertainment industry. Carpenter's post sparked a conversation among other actors, who echoed her worries about AI's potential disruption of established casting practices.

Largo.ai CEO Sami Arpa clarified the company's stance, emphasizing their support for the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes and stating that their AI tools are designed to empower, not replace, industry professionals. He explained that the actors' program, still in beta testing, had been misinterpreted. Arpa encouraged open dialogue with actors and industry members to address concerns.

Other prominent actors, including Melanie Lynskey, have also expressed reservations about AI casting. Lynskey highlighted the importance of human casting directors who can see an actor's potential beyond what data might suggest. Actor Jordan Gavaris similarly pointed out the crucial role of casting directors in championing actors for roles they might not appear perfectly suited for on paper.

Legal expert Abe Lichy raised additional concerns about the potential legal implications of AI-driven casting, particularly regarding errors or omissions in recommendations. He questioned how AI could account for an actor's full background and professional history, aspects crucial to a successful casting decision.

Carpenter further elaborated on her concerns, emphasizing the importance of human connection and understanding in the casting process, something she believes AI cannot replicate. She questioned the benefits of AI casting for actors, highlighting the valuable role human casting directors have played in her career.

While acknowledging the difficulty of banning AI use outright, Lichy suggested potential safeguards, such as requiring human casting directors for projects exceeding a certain budget. He stressed the importance of human qualities in the casting process, particularly in the context of film as an art form.

Justine Bateman, a former actress turned producer, also shared her concerns about AI's impact on the entertainment industry, lamenting its potential to move away from human expression.