Robert Downey Jr. vows legal action against AI, refuses digital reproduction of his likeness

In a bold statement on the “On With Kara Swisher” podcast, Robert Downey Jr. revealed his strong opposition to Hollywood’s potential use of AI to recreate his likeness, explicitly declaring his intention to “sue all future executives” who attempt it.

As concerns rise over AI in entertainment, Downey has remained firm, making it clear that he would not support a digital version of his iconic Iron Man character, Tony Stark. The actor expressed faith that Marvel Studios would not take such action, acknowledging the few key decision-makers who he believes would honor his stance.

During the podcast, Downey addressed the rapidly advancing role of AI in Hollywood, emphasizing his desire to protect his image from digital recreation. When Swisher speculated about future attempts to digitally clone his image, Downey responded assertively, “I intend to sue all future executives just on spec.” The actor’s comments come as he appears in the Broadway play McNeal, a production critical of corporate AI leaders like Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, illustrating Downey’s personal resistance to AI’s influence over human identities.

Hollywood’s embrace of AI has stirred significant controversy, with other A-list actors similarly voicing their opposition to unauthorized digital reproductions. Downey’s stance adds to this growing pushback against AI, and as he re-engages with Marvel Studios, he will do so in an entirely new role, as Doctor Doom, not Iron Man. This role will mark Downey’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where he begins portraying the villain in the upcoming 2026 film Avengers: Doomsday. As AI continues to reshape entertainment, Downey remains a vocal advocate for actors’ rights, pledging to prevent the digital replication of his likeness for future projects.