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 deeply human process of recreation. He argued that robots lack the capacity to capture the emotional and thoughtful essence required for such expressions. "If we let robots do that, it will lack all heart and eventually lose edge and turn to mush," he warned, advocating for the protection of authentic and honest artistic expressions from AI interference.

Cage's views echo concerns raised by other actors, particularly 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 criticized AI for potentially robbing them of income. Luke called out a chatbot using his voice, while Cockle described AI as "inevitable" but "dangerous."

Filmmakers have also weighed in on the AI debate, though their opinions vary. Tim Burton has labeled AI-generated art as "very disturbing," whereas Zack Snyder, director of *Justice League* and *Rebel Moon*, believes filmmakers should embrace AI rather than resist it.