Robert Downey Jr., renowned for his iconic role as Tony Stark in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, firmly believes that Marvel executives would steer clear of recreating his character through artificial intelligence. However, the actor has expressed a strong stance should they ever attempt such a move. He hinted that, even in the future, he would “lawyer up” and take legal measures, making it clear that he is prepared to defend his legacy.
Robert Downey Jr. Issues Stern Warning on AI and Deepfake Use of His Image in Hollywood
Robert Downey Jr. in Avengers: Endgame (2019). Image Credit: Marvel Studios
As artificial intelligence technology continues to expand its footprint across entertainment, Robert Downey Jr. has voiced strong opposition to its potential impact on Hollywood, especially concerning his likeness. During a recent appearance on the On With Kara Swisher podcast, Downey issued a bold statement, warning he “intends to sue all future executives” who consider creating a digital replica of him. This firm stance highlights Downey’s determination to protect his legacy and identity from potential misuse by AI technologies or deepfake applications.
This conversation took place in the context of Downey’s celebrated role as Iron Man within the MCU. Despite his success as Tony Stark, Downey is confident that Marvel’s current leadership would not digitally recreate his iconic character through AI without his consent. When asked about his thoughts on being digitally replicated in the future, Downey reflected on his limited concern over this trend, noting that his focus remains on a fulfilling life beyond the screen.
“There’s two tracks. How do I feel about everything that’s going on? I feel about it minimally because I have an actual emotional life that’s occurring that doesn’t have a lot of room for that,” Downey said when asked about being digitally recreated in the future.
“To go back to the MCU, I am not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul because there’s like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway and they would never do that to me, with or without me,” he added.
The actor’s response to a hypothetical future where executives could capitalize on digital replications of his image was particularly fierce. When host Kara Swisher suggested that future Hollywood leaders might attempt to recreate Downey digitally, he responded with a clear declaration, stating his intent to pursue legal action against such endeavors. When Swisher humorously noted, “You’ll be dead,” Downey quipped that “my law firm will still be very active,” showing both his humor and resolve on the matter.
Currently starring in the Broadway play McNeal, which critiques corporate giants in AI, Downey has returned to the MCU with a twist—set to play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, a role expected to earn him $100 million across two films.
Hollywood’s AI Threat: A Star-Studded Concern
Robert Downey Jr. Image Credit: Paramount Pictures/Marvel Studios
As Hollywood navigates a turbulent period in the entertainment industry, the ongoing strike of video game performers under SAG-AFTRA has spotlighted the intensifying conflict over AI and its implications on creative talent. The strike, beginning this July after lengthy negotiations failed, has said much of the need for enforceable protections in interactive media, with union leaders describing AI as a growing, existential threat to performer livelihoods.
This resistance to unchecked AI usage isn’t new. Last year’s extensive strikes by film and television professionals were driven by similar AI-related concerns, culminating in a groundbreaking agreement. It was required that producers now obtain an actor’s consent before employing digital replicas in film and television, a major victory for SAG-AFTRA. A union representative highlighted that, under a recent California law, actors like Robert Downey Jr. now hold the right to refuse any digital replication of their likeness, a step crucial in preventing unauthorized uses posthumously. Enacted by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, this law is pivotal, reflecting a deepened commitment to safeguarding creative identities beyond one’s lifetime.
Reflecting on this new age, Downey Jr., who will reprise his Marvel role as Doctor Doom in the 2026 Avengers: Doomsday, remarked, “I don’t envy those who are closely tied to this new digital era. The notion that these major tech companies somehow own the future is deeply misguided.” His words resonate with a Hollywood that remains cautious of technology’s rapid encroachment and its potential to reshape the entertainment industry.
