Nicolas Cage Slams AI Acting: 'Robots Can't Capture Human Condition'

Nicolas Cage has strongly criticized the use of artificial intelligence in the acting world, warning that allowing AI to alter performances is a "dead end" because "robots cannot reflect the human condition."

During his acceptance speech for the best actor award for his role in Dream Scenario at the Saturn Awards, as reported by Variety, Cage expressed his gratitude to director Kristoffer Borgli for his multifaceted contributions to the film. He then shifted focus to a pressing concern: the rise of AI.

"I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us," Cage stated. He argued that if actors allow AI to manipulate their performances, even minimally, it could lead to a slippery slope where "all integrity, purity, and truth of art will be replaced by financial interests only." He emphasized the essential role of art, including film performances, in mirroring the human condition through a deeply human process of recreation, which he believes AI cannot replicate.

Cage's comments add to a growing discourse among actors and filmmakers about AI's role in the creative industries. Several voice actors, including Ned Luke from Grand Theft Auto 5 and Doug Cockle from The Witcher, have also spoken out against AI, particularly its use in recreating entire performances, which they see as a threat to their livelihoods.

In the filmmaking community, opinions vary. Tim Burton has labeled AI-generated art as "very disturbing," while Zack Snyder advocates for embracing AI rather than resisting it.

Nicolas Cage has warned against the use of AI. Photo by Gregg DeGuire/Variety via Getty Images.