Spider-Man, Resident Evil Actors Discuss Ongoing SAG-AFTRA Strike and the Impact of AI

“What we’re really fighting for is the preservation of human creativity. AI can never replace the heart and soul that an actor brings to a performance.” – Troy Baker, Voice Actor (The Last of Us)

As the SAG-AFTRA strike continues to disrupt Hollywood, actors from some of the most beloved franchises, including Spider-Man and Resident Evil, are speaking out about the growing concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to change the landscape of the entertainment industry. The ongoing strike, which began in the summer of 2023, has brought attention to various issues within the industry, with actors demanding fair wages, better working conditions, and, most notably, more regulation around the use of AI in film and video games.

Actors from major franchises like Spider-Man and Resident Evil have voiced their concerns over how AI could negatively impact their careers and the industry as a whole. Many fear that AI could be used to replicate voices, likenesses, and performances without proper consent or compensation, leading to the exploitation of actors’ intellectual property. With deepfake technology and AI-driven voice synthesis becoming more advanced, these concerns are more pressing than ever.

Troy Baker, the voice of Joel in The Last of Us and a prominent figure in the video game voice acting community, recently shared his perspective during a virtual panel on the subject. “What we’re really fighting for is the preservation of human creativity,” Baker said. “AI can never replace the heart and soul that an actor brings to a performance. If we don’t regulate how it’s used, we’re setting a dangerous precedent that could see our likenesses and voices commodified without our input or benefit.”

Similarly, Spider-Man actor Yuri Lowenthal, known for voicing Peter Parker in the critically acclaimed Spider-Man games, also expressed his concerns. “This isn’t just about acting in front of a camera; it’s about safeguarding the authenticity of what we do,” Lowenthal explained. “AI can mimic, but it cannot create with the same passion, nuance, or depth that a human actor can. Our fight is to ensure that AI remains a tool for creativity, not a replacement.”

The Resident Evil franchise, which has made a significant mark both in video games and film, also faces similar concerns, particularly with motion capture and voice acting. “AI has the potential to dramatically alter the way performances are captured in games and films,” said actress and motion capture artist Nicole Tompkins, who portrayed Jill Valentine in Resident Evil: Village. “We’re not just fighting for our paychecks; we’re fighting for our artistic integrity. AI shouldn’t take away the human element that makes storytelling powerful.”

The strike has garnered wide support across the entertainment industry, with other guilds and unions expressing solidarity. Many believe that this fight will set a significant precedent for how AI and technology are integrated into the creative process moving forward.

As the strike continues, actors, creators, and supporters remain firm in their efforts to secure fair protections and ethical guidelines around the use of AI, ensuring that human artistry and creativity are not overshadowed or exploited.

“AI can mimic, but it cannot create with the same passion, nuance, or depth that a human actor can. Our fight is to ensure that AI remains a tool for creativity, not a replacement.” – Yuri Lowenthal, Voice Actor (Spider-Man)