Nicolas Cage: AI Acting a 'Dead End', Lacks Human Essence

Nicolas Cage has expressed strong reservations about the use of artificial intelligence in acting, warning that any actor who allows AI to alter their performance is heading towards "a dead end." He believes that "robots cannot reflect the human condition," a sentiment he shared while accepting the best actor award for his role in *Dream Scenario* at the Saturn Awards, as reported by Variety.

In his acceptance speech, Cage thanked director Kristoffer Borgli for his multifaceted contributions to the film, but quickly shifted focus to the broader issue of AI. "I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us," Cage stated. He emphasized that allowing AI to manipulate an actor's performance, even minimally, could lead to a slippery slope where "all integrity, purity, and truth of art will be replaced by financial interests only."

Cage underscored the essential role of art, including film performances, in mirroring the human condition through a thoughtful and emotional process. He argued that robots lack the capacity to engage in this human-centric process, warning that reliance on AI could result in art that "will lack all heart and eventually lose edge and turn to mush." He urged actors to protect their authentic and honest expressions from AI interference.

Cage is not alone in his concerns about AI in the entertainment industry. The issue has been particularly contentious in the voice acting community, where AI has been used to recreate entire performances, even in high-profile video games. Voice actors like Ned Luke from *Grand Theft Auto 5* and Doug Cockle from *The Witcher* have spoken out against AI, with Luke criticizing a chatbot that used his voice and Cockle describing AI as "inevitable" but "dangerous," echoing concerns about the potential loss of income for voice actors.

Filmmakers have also weighed in on the debate, though their opinions vary. Tim Burton has called AI-generated art "very disturbing," while Zack Snyder, director of *Justice League* and *Rebel Moon*, advocates for embracing AI rather than resisting it.