Mark Wahlberg discusses using AI to enhance films and preserve his digital likeness

What happened

At the TechCrunch Disrupt event, actor and director Mark Wahlberg shared his views on the role of artificial intelligence in the film industry [1, 2]. Wahlberg, who also works as an entrepreneur and angel investor, stated that he is open to using AI to enhance filmmaking rather than replacing human creativity [1, 2].

Key points from his discussion include:

• Potential use in upcoming projects: Wahlberg mentioned he may use AI to enhance specific elements, such as stadium settings, in the upcoming Pete Rose biopic where he plays the lead role [1, 2].
• Views on scriptwriting: He expressed that AI should not be used to simply generate scripts via tools like ChatGPT to replace real actors [1, 2].
• Interest in digital likeness: While he has not yet visited the CAA Vault—a facility used to capture an actor’s body, face, movements, and voice to create AI replicas—he said he would be interested in doing so [1, 2].
• Legacy and family: Wahlberg noted he would be open to his children or grandchildren managing his digital likeness in the future [1, 2].
• Animated series: He stated he would not be opposed to an AI version of his likeness continuing his animated series, “Ted,” even if he is no longer able to perform [1, 2].
• Storytelling priority: He emphasized that real storytelling should remain the core of filmmaking, noting that while he has worked on effects-driven movies like Jurassic Park and The Perfect Storm, he is now more focused on narrative [1, 2].

Who is affected

• Filmmakers and actors: The industry remains divided on AI usage, but Wahlberg’s stance suggests a potential path for using technology to enhance settings and preserve legacies [1, 2].
• Creative Artists Agency (CAA): Their CAA Vault facility provides the scanning technology required to create these AI replicas [1, 2].
• Audiences: Wahlberg suggested that if a real audience wants to see content featuring a specific likeness, they should be entitled to it [1, 2].