In a surprising turn of events, renowned actor Tom Hanks has sounded the alarm about a recent dental advertisement that features what appears to be him but is, in fact, a product of artificial intelligence (AI).
Taking to Instagram on Sunday, Hanks shared a photo of himself along with a stern caption: “BEWARE!! There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.”
Hanks emphasized that he did not participate in the creation of this commercial, clarifying that the AI technology generated his likeness without his involvement.
This revelation brings to light a critical issue that numerous famous actors within the film and television industries have been highlighting during the ongoing strike organized by the Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) union. They are vehemently cautioning against the potential misuse of AI technology to entirely replace human actors, a scenario that would leave them without due compensation.
Tom Hanks has been an advocate on this matter for some time. Back in May, he appeared on The Adam Buxton Podcast, addressing the challenges that AI technology presents, both artistically and legally. He noted, “This is something that is literally part and parcel to what’s going on in the realm of intellectual property rights right now. This has always been lingering.”
He further elaborated, “Right now, if I wanted to, I could get together and pitch a series of seven movies that would star me in them, in which I would be 32 years old, from now until kingdom come. Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are, by way of AI or deepfake technology. I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that’s it. But, my performances can go on and on and on and on, and outside of the understanding that has been done with AI or deepfake. There’ll be nothing to tell you that it’s not me and me alone.”
The strike, initiated by the unions representing writers and actors, placed the use of AI in various forms of media at the forefront of their concerns as they pressed for improved contracts with Hollywood studios.
Recently, the writer’s strike concluded, with the Writers Guild of America announcing an agreement that includes provisions regulating the use of AI technology in all productions. This forms an integral part of the new collective bargaining agreement negotiated between the union and the studios.
Hanks had previously discussed the industry’s situation on “CBS Sunday Mornings” just before the actors’ strike commenced in the spring. He emphasized, “The entire industry is at a crossroads, and everybody knows it… The financial motor has to be completely redefined,” underscoring the need for creators of content to receive fair compensation instead of the studios alone.