Mark Wahlberg on using AI in film ‘the right way’ and being open to

Actor, director, and entrepreneur Mark Wahlberg recently weighed in on the contentious debate surrounding artificial intelligence in Hollywood, asserting that the technology has a vital role in filmmaking if harnessed responsibly. Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt, Wahlberg shared his nuanced perspective, revealing his openness to leveraging AI for production enhancements and even considering an AI likeness to preserve his legacy long after his active career concludes. His stance offers a pragmatic view amid industry divisions, advocating for AI as a tool to augment, not replace, human creativity.

Wahlberg detailed potential applications for AI in his upcoming Pete Rose biopic, where he will star in the titular role. He noted the film's significant budget, indicating that AI could be instrumental in “enhancing the stadium setting, things of that nature.” However, he drew a clear line, stating, “I don’t think you should just, you know, put an idea into ChatGPT and it puts out a script, and then you should go make that and not use real actors.” He stressed that AI’s primary function should be to “enhance what you’re doing,” rather than generate core creative elements like scripts, which should remain the domain of human writers and performers.

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Underpinning his views on technology, Wahlberg strongly emphasized the enduring importance of genuine storytelling. Reflecting on his career, he recalled participating in the “sweet spot” of effects-driven cinema with groundbreaking films like Jurassic Park and Perfect Storm, which featured then-cutting-edge computer-generated imagery. He observed that achieving such revolutionary visual feats is increasingly challenging today, leading him to prioritize “real storytelling” over a mere spectacle of effects.

During his appearance, TechCrunch Editor-in-Chief Connie Loizos inquired if Wahlberg had explored the CAA Vault, a facility where actors can scan their physical attributes and voices to create AI replicas. While Wahlberg confirmed he had not yet visited the facility, he expressed genuine interest in the concept. He articulated a vision for the future where such technology could empower his descendants. “It would be cool that my children or my grandchildren could be in charge of my likeness and my image, and hopefully put me in some good movies,” he mused, anticipating evolving industry trends.

This openness extends to the idea of an AI clone continuing his work. Wahlberg mentioned his upcoming animated series, “Ted,” suggesting he wouldn’t object if an AI version of his likeness carried on the show for decades should he no longer be able to participate or exist. He views this as a way to provide continuity for audiences who desire it, drawing parallels to beloved elements from his own childhood that he wished had persisted. “If it could continue and people want to see it, I think it’d be interesting to see where things go,” he stated, highlighting the massive opportunities for content consumption.

Wahlberg believes that if a genuine audience exists for continued AI-generated content featuring his likeness, they should have the opportunity to access it. This perspective reflects a forward-thinking embrace of technological evolution within entertainment, balanced with a clear distinction between augmentation and replacement. As Hollywood continues to grapple with the ethical and practical implications of AI, Wahlberg’s insights offer a path for integration that respects both artistic integrity and technological progress.

FAQ

Q: How does Mark Wahlberg believe AI should be used in filmmaking?

A: Wahlberg believes AI should be used to enhance aspects of filmmaking, such as improving stadium settings in a movie. He strongly opposes using AI to generate full scripts or replace real actors, emphasizing that it should augment, not substitute, human creativity.

Q: Is Mark Wahlberg open to having an AI likeness of himself?

A: Yes, Wahlberg expressed interest in the concept of an AI replica. He envisions a future where his children or grandchildren could manage his AI likeness, potentially placing him in new films, and he would not be opposed to an AI version of himself continuing projects like his “Ted” animated series.

Q: What specific film project does Wahlberg consider using AI for?

A: Mark Wahlberg plans to potentially use AI to enhance certain aspects of his upcoming Pete Rose biopic, specifically mentioning its use for improving the stadium settings in the film.