Veteran actress Glenn Close recently shared her anxieties regarding the evolving entertainment industry and the rise of artificial intelligence, particularly its potential impact on human connection and storytelling. During the Sundance Film Festival, Close expressed her concerns to The Hollywood Reporter, emphasizing the importance of human stories in a world increasingly influenced by technology.

Close, acknowledging the job losses within the industry and the rise of AI, questioned the future of truth and authenticity in entertainment. She referenced Yuval Noah Harari's book, "Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI," describing it as a terrifying exploration of the potential implications of AI.

Specifically, Close voiced her apprehension about the potential misuse of AI to reconstruct actors' images and voices, raising ethical and employment-related concerns. She stressed the importance of preserving genuine human interaction and storytelling, particularly in spaces like the Sundance Film Festival, which champion narratives about the human experience.

Close's concerns echo those of other prominent actors. Nicolas Cage has warned against the use of "employment-based digital replicas" (EBDRs), highlighting the potential for studios to manipulate actors' performances without their consent. Cage urged actors to protect their "instrument" – their voice, face, body, and imagination. Similarly, Robert Downey Jr. has threatened legal action against unauthorized AI use of his likeness.

While acknowledging the potential benefits of AI in streamlining certain aspects of filmmaking, Ben Affleck believes that human creativity and collaboration in storytelling will remain irreplaceable for the foreseeable future. He envisions AI as a tool to reduce costs and democratize access to filmmaking, but not as a substitute for human artistry.

The discussion around AI's role in Hollywood continues, with prominent figures expressing both excitement and apprehension about its potential impact on the industry's future.