What work will there be for humans?'

Lisa Kudrow didn't hold back while discussing Here, Robert Zemeckis' latest directorial venture, on the Armchair Expert podcast. The film, which reunites Zemeckis with his Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, notably flopped at the box office with just $13 million worldwide since its November release. For Kudrow, it's not just the numbers—it's the implications of the film's heavy use of de-aging technology that have her concerned.

"They shot it, and they could actually shoot the scene and then look at the playback of them as younger, and it's ready for them to see," Kudrow explained, calling it "an endorsement for AI." While she clarified that it's not outright ruinous, the Friends star questioned the toll on the industry. "Forget actors, what about up-and-coming actors? They'll just be licencing and recycling."

Her concerns stretch beyond Hollywood. "What work will there be for human beings? Then what? There'll be some kind of living stipend for people, you won't have to work? How can it possibly be enough?"

Kudrow's remarks join a broader debate in Hollywood, where AI-driven tools have taken centre stage. Here—currently competing for a spot on the Oscars visual effects shortlist—is one of several recent films to incorporate AI-powered de-aging. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny similarly made headlines for de-aging Harrison Ford with machine-learning tech.

Tom Hanks, who stars in Here, previously addressed AI's looming role in acting. "Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age… I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that's it, but performances can go on and on and on," he said in May 2023. Hanks acknowledged the legal and artistic challenges AI presents, adding, "There'll be nothing to tell you that it's not me and me alone. Without a doubt people will be able to tell [it's AI], but the question is will they care?"

In contrast, others like director Zack Snyder are not too worried about AI in filmmaking. Speaking at WIRED's The Big Interview event, Snyder stressed the importance of understanding AI's capabilities and limitations, urging filmmakers to "use it as a tool as opposed to standing on the sidelines with your hands on your hips."

Snyder insisted on AI's potential to democratise filmmaking by making complex and expensive shots more accessible. He noted that AI doesn't differentiate between shooting a scene on Mars or underwater, suggesting that the technology could level the playing field for filmmakers with limited budgets. However, Snyder maintained that the human element remains crucial, stating, "My favourite movies are the ones where I can feel the director's hand."