Tom Hanks Cautions Admirers Over AI Constructed Imitation of Himself

  • 04-10-2023 |
  • Courtney Millhouse

If you've encountered a promotional video featuring a digitally fabricated Tom Hanks selling dental care, you've likely stumbled upon the actor's current greatest fear: being replaced by AI. Over the weekend, he warned his followers via Instagram about his artificial intelligence double: 

"BEWARE!! A video is circulating promoting a dental plan using an AI version of me, with which I have no association." 

AI technology, a point of controversy and cause for frequent protests in Hollywood, was previously discussed by Mr. Hanks on the Adum Baxton podcast, where he suggested it posed a potential legal challenge:

"Anyone can now recreate themselves at any age via deepfake technology. Even if I died suddenly, my performances could continue. Beyond identifying AI and deepfake usage, there's no way to verify it's solely me. While it might closely resemble a living being, this not only presents an artistic challenge, but a legal one too."

He also stated people may realize it's AI, but the more pertinent question is whether they'll care. "He admits that some won't care, not managing to make the distinction,".