Mark Wahlberg Open to AI Clones, But Sets Safeguards

Key Takeaways

1Mark Wahlberg says he is open to AI replicas extending his works, under family management

2He rejects the idea of AI-generated scripts without actors and advocates for prioritizing storytelling

3He considers AI to enhance the setting of the biopic on Pete Rose, without replacing existing jobs

4He has not yet tested the CAA Vault but would be in favor of it

Why it matters : Wahlberg's views illustrate the current debates on the role of AI in cinema, balancing technical innovation with the preservation of human creativity.

Mark Wahlberg says he is ready to let digital replicas extend some of his works, including over decades, as long as there is a public demand. On set, he advocates for supportive AI and is considering using it for the backdrop of a biopic about Pete Rose, while rejecting the idea of generated scripts and reaffirming the priority of storytelling.

Wahlberg considers AI replicas managed by his loved ones

Mark Wahlberg would not be opposed to an AI version of his appearance allowing his animated series Ted to continue for decades. He would also accept a digital replica continuing his work if he can no longer do it or if he no longer exists, provided that the audience desires it. The actor expresses interest in the idea of his children or grandchildren managing his image and appearance, hoping to be associated with good films. He mentions elements from his childhood that he would like to see endure. According to him, viewers will have great opportunities to watch what they want, and in the presence of a real audience, they should have that right. He also believes it will be interesting to observe the evolution of these technologies.

An enhancement AI, not a replacement for actors

Mark Wahlberg rejects the idea of simply pitching to ChatGPT to obtain a script and then filming without real actors. He supports the use of AI when it enhances an existing process and reaffirms that storytelling must remain at the heart of filmmaking. While recalling having shot films heavily focused on special effects, he cites a pivotal moment marked by the first Jurassic Park and Perfect Storm, accompanied by a 100-foot wave in the trailer, which he describes as milestones in computer-generated imagery. He believes it is now difficult to reproduce that effect and is less passionate about effects-driven films than about a genuine story.

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First application area: the Pete Rose biopic

For his upcoming biopic about Pete Rose, in which he will play the lead role, Mark Wahlberg is exploring the use of AI to enhance certain elements. He describes the project as quite costly and cites the enhancement of the stadium setting among the options being considered. These uses would remain confined to technical aspects.

The CAA Vault digitizes actors, Wahlberg hasn't been there yet

When asked by Connie Loizos, Mark Wahlberg indicates that he has not visited the CAA Vault, although he is open to it. This facility from the Creative Artists Agency allows for the scanning of bodies, faces, movements, and voices of performers to create AI replicas. During TechCrunch Disrupt, where he spoke as an actor, director, entrepreneur, and angel investor, he defended the idea that AI has a place in cinema if used correctly. However, the debate remains lively in Hollywood regarding the use of these technologies.