Robert Downey Jr. on AI recreation of Iron Man

On a recent episode of the On With Kara Swisher podcast, the Oscar-winning actor said he intends to “sue all future executives” who allow an AI-created version of him. Speaking about his role as Iron Man, Downey said he did not want his likeness to be recreated by AI technology.

Downey said, “I’m not worried about them hijacking the soul of my character because there’s three or four guys and girls who make all the decisions anyway, and they never do that with or without me. Will not do.”

Swisher said those officers will eventually be replaced. “Well, you’re right,” Downey said. “I would like to state here that I intend to specifically sue all future officers.”

“You will die,” Swisher said. Downey replied: “But my law firm will still be very active.” Representatives for Marvel Studios and Downey did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The discussion comes amid a strike by Hollywood video game artists that began in July after more than 18 months of negotiations over a new interactive media agreement with game industry giants broke down over artificial intelligence safety.

Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have cast the issues behind the labor dispute — and AI in particular — as an existential crisis for artists. Concerns about how film studios will use AI helped spur a film and television strike by the union last year, which lasted four months. SAG-AFTRA eventually signed an agreement that would require productions to obtain the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used.

A spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA said that Downey had the right to refuse the use of any digital replica in the film because a new California law prohibits the unauthorized reproduction of a deceased actor’s likeness without prior consent. That legislation, signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, was federally sponsored.

Robert Downey Jr.’s Broadway debut and MCU return

Downey made his Broadway debut this month in McNeil, a one-act play by Ayad Akhtar that highlights the topics of artificial intelligence, artistic integrity, plagiarism and copyright infringement. The 59-year-old actor plays lead character Jacob McNeil, an acclaimed novelist whose battle with alcoholism and mental illness ends at a turning point in his career.

Downey said, “I don’t envy anyone who has become overly identified with the advent of this new phase of the information age.” “The idea that somehow it’s theirs because they have these huge start-ups is a fallacy.”

The podcast episode explored the questions raised by the play about truth and power in the age of AI and whether there is a “social contract” related to the use of AI.

Downey’s upcoming role as Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.