Lisa Kudrow raises concerns over use of AI in Tom Hanks’ film ‘Here’
“Friends” alum Lisa Kudrow is speaking out about artificial intelligence in Hollywood, and she’s not holding back. Her criticism centers on Tom Hanks’ new film, “Here,” and the technology driving it.
Directed by Robert Zemeckis, “Here” premiered in October and showcases AI-driven de-aging technology. The film spans decades, using generative AI to make stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright appear younger.
The tool behind these visuals, Metaphysic Live, seamlessly de-ages actors. Members of Metaphysic’s team have done previous AI work on projects such as “ABBA: Voyage,” the “Star Wars” saga and “Guardians of the Galaxy.”
Lisa Kudrow raises concerns about AI
Kudrow recently shared her thoughts on the “Armchair Expert” podcast. She described “Here” as “an endorsement of AI,” adding, “It’s not like, ‘Oh, it’s going to ruin everything.’ But what will be left for, forget actors, but what about up-and-coming actors?”
Her concern highlights a growing debate about AI’s impact on Hollywood. Many fear the technology could sideline younger actors trying to break into the industry.
A partnership driving AI innovation
Metaphysic Live has partnered with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) to develop generative AI tools for talent. Joanna Popper, CAA’s chief metaverse officer, praised the tools, saying they could “unlock an incredible opportunity for the entertainment industry and beyond.”
Zemeckis stands firmly behind the technology’s role in “Here,” saying, “The film simply wouldn’t work without our actors seamlessly transforming into younger versions of themselves. Metaphysic’s AI tools do exactly that.”
During production, actors could even use a “youth mirror.” This allowed them to see their younger selves in real time, helping them make specific performance choices.
Tom Hanks reflects on AI’s evolution
Hanks has been open about AI’s potential in Hollywood. Speaking on “The Adam Buxton Podcast,” he recalled working on Zemeckis’ 2004 film “The Polar Express.” At that time, motion capture technology laid the groundwork for today’s innovations.
With AI and deepfakes advancing rapidly, Hanks acknowledged the possibility of pitching movies with his younger likeness—even after his death. It’s a controversial prospect that raises questions about the future of filmmaking.
The ongoing AI debate in Hollywood
For Kudrow, this new era of AI raises alarms. While seasoned actors like Hanks can license their likeness, younger performers may face limited opportunities.
The debate continues to grow. Recently, the Writers Guild of America urged major studios to address AI plagiarism concerns –– a story SAN reported on last week.
As AI reshapes filmmaking, Kudrow’s critique reflects an industry wrestling with progress, ethics and the future of creativity.
WGA calls on Hollywood studios to combat AI plagiarism
The Writers Guild of America (WGA) is urging Hollywood studios to take immediate action against the growing issue of AI plagiarism. It’s a call to action that echoes the union’s concerns during the lengthy 2023 writer’s strike.
WGA calls out major studios
The WGA East and West recently sent a letter to CEOs of major studios. They include Netflix, Walt Disney Co., NBCUniversal, Paramount Global, Sony Pictures, Amazon MGM Studios and Warner Bros. Discovery.
In the letter obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, the WGA claims that tech companies like Apple and Meta have “looted” the studios’ intellectual property while studios have failed to act against the violations.
“After this industry has spent decades fighting piracy, it cannot stand idly by while tech companies steal full libraries of content for their own financial gain,” the letter states.
AI models trained on copyrighted material
The letter cites a November article in The Atlantic, which reported that thousands of movies and TV episodes were being used to train AI models.
The WGA accuses studios of allowing “tech companies to plunder entire libraries without permission or compensation,” ultimately harming WGA members.
AI’s growing role in Hollywood
Despite the controversy, AI continues to gain traction in Hollywood. In September, Lionsgate—the studio behind franchises like “John Wick” and “Hunger Games”—announced a partnership with the AI video startup Runway. The technology is marketed as a tool to help filmmakers and creative teams generate cinematic visuals.
Legal victories for creatives
However, artists have recently seen progress in their legal battles against AI. In August, a federal court allowed a copyright infringement claim against AI art generators to move forward.
The case, brought by concept artist Karla Ortiz, centers on how AI firms may have used copyrighted materials to train models like Stable Diffusion. The lawsuit could significantly impact the future use of AI in Hollywood.
Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend drops assault and defamation lawsuit
People Magazine is reporting that actor Jonathan Majors’ ex-girlfriend has dropped her lawsuit against him, according to court documents released Thursday, Nov. 21. Grace Jabbari, a British dancer, first filed the civil suit in March 2024, accusing Majors of assault and defamation.
The allegations stemmed from incidents during the couple’s nearly two-year relationship. Jabbari and Majors met in 2021 on the set of “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” where Majors was gaining recognition as a rising star.
Legal troubles and court trial
Majors faced a legal trial in New York after an altercation with Jabbari in March 2023. According to court records, the dispute allegedly began when Majors received a suggestive text message from another woman. The text read, “Wish I was kissing you right now.”
Jabbari claimed Majors attacked her in the back of an SUV and later found her unconscious in the apartment they previously shared. Police bodycam footage shows her partially unclothed with a blanket across her waist.
During the trial, evidence included text messages and audio recordings. One incident Jabbari recorded during an altercation revealed Majors suggesting she emulate figures like Michelle Obama and Coretta Scott King.
Despite maintaining his innocence, Majors was convicted in December 2023 on two misdemeanor assault counts. The court ordered him to complete a year-long counseling program in April 2024.
Court documents filed Thursday revealed both Majors and Jabbari agreed to dismiss all claims against him “with prejudice.” This means Jabbari cannot refile the lawsuit in the future, bringing a close to the legal battle between the two.
Meagan Good’s public support
Majors’ relationship with actress Meagan Good became a focal point of public discussion. The two started dating a few months after Majors’ March 2023 arrest. Good appeared by his side during nearly every court appearance, sparking widespread discussion about her support during the legal proceedings.
Robert Downey Jr. will sue executives if they recreate him with AI
Robert Downey Jr. is the latest star to make it clear he doesn’t want his likeness recreated by artificial intelligence. On a recent episode of the “On With Kara Swisher” podcast, the actor said he would sue all executives who allow an AI created version of him.
When he talked about his role as Iron Man, Downey Jr. said that while he doesn’t think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark, he would sue if they tried – even after he dies.
“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,” Downey Jr. said.
Swisher added that new executives would likely do it.
“Well, you’re right,” Downey Jr. said. “I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec.”
“You’ll be dead,” Swisher responded.
Downey replied, “But my law firm will still be very active.”
Last year, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists led a strike over the same issue. Those strikes lasted four months.
SAG-AFTRA ultimately signed a deal requiring productions to get the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used.
A spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA said Downey Jr. can deny use of any digital replica in movies. This is because of California’s new law prohibiting the unauthorized replication of a dead performer’s likeness without prior consent.
Downey Jr.’s latest project is a broadway production titled “McNeal,” which is about the way AI is disrupting the world of literature and addresses questions about how AI is impacting creativity.
$3 million tumbler Batmobile replica up for sale, but there’s a catch
Batman fans now have the opportunity to own a $3 million replica of the Tumbler Batmobile, the iconic vehicle from Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. Warner Bros. has licensed Action Vehicle Engineering to build just 10 replicas, complete with the Batmobile’s authentic features. However, it’s not street legal.
Warner Bros. recently sanctioned Action Vehicle Engineering to produce 10 replicas of the Batmobile, better known as the Tumbler, Hypebeast reports. Priced at $3 million, this collector’s edition features an automatic transmission, stainless steel headers. and advanced software systems. It mimics the jet engine of the Batmobile, without the flames.
Built to be fully functional, the Tumbler is faithful to the original movie design, right down to the dashboard configuration. However, it isn’t street legal, so collectors will have to keep this 5,000-pound model on display.
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Only ten will be made, and prospective buyers must apply to receive an invitation. After putting down a deposit, buyers will wait an estimated 15 months for their Batmobile replica to arrive.
Hollywood lifeline: Newsom wants to double TV industry tax incentives
In a move to strengthen California’s entertainment industry, Gov. Gavin Newsom, D, has announced a proposal to significantly expand the state’s film and television tax incentives. During a news conference in Hollywood, Newsom revealed plans to more than double the annual tax credit pool from $330 million to $750 million.
Newsom emphasized that this initiative aims to enhance California’s competitiveness against other states and countries offering similar incentives.
“This is about jobs, this is about investment and recognizing that the world we invented is now competing against us,” Newsom said.
The governor was joined by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and representatives from various entertainment unions, including the Directors Guild of America. Together, they stressed the importance of supporting an industry that generates over 700,000 jobs and nearly $70 billion in wages for Californians.
Newsom’s proposal would surpass New York’s film incentives, and Georgia also offers an attractive tax incentive.
The industry is still recovering from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and recent labor strikes. Newsom referred to the industry as being on “life support.”
The proposed expansion will be part of Newsom’s budget plan in January. He stated that California is in a position to afford this investment, while critics argue that subsidizing entertainment comes at the expense of other budget items, such as education and healthcare.
Idris Elba plans to move to Africa to boost film industry
Idris Elba announced his plans to leave Hollywood in hopes of growing Africa’s entertainment industry. The Golden Globe winner said he started the process to launch a global hub for film studios to be built on the continent and plans to relocate there within the next 10 years.
He got the green light after meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Elba is aiming to build the first studio in Zanzibar. The government has already promised to contribute 200 acres of land.
He hopes the move will open doors for young African creators.
“A lot of media is centered around negative depictions of Africa,” Elba told CNN. “But the median age in Africa is 19; these young people are optimistic and they deserve the chance to tell their stories.”
Elba’s mother is from Ghana and his father is from Sierra Leone, so he’s often talked about his attachment to Africa.
According to a recent UNESCO report, the continent’s film and audiovisual industry could create 20 million jobs. The report also said it would add $20 million to its gross domestic product by 2030.
Batman makes history as first superhero honored with Hollywood star
After 85 years of fighting crime and captivating audience in different forms of media, Batman has reached a new milestone. Thursday, Sept. 26, the iconic superhero received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Batman has become the first superhero to receive such an honor. To top it off, he was also awarded a Guinness World Record for being the first superhero to get such a star.
This all traces back to 1939 when Batman, or Bruce Wayne, first debuted in “Detective Comics.” Alongside his loyal ally Commissioner Gordon, Batman became a fan favorite.
Though this is Batman’s first star, his connection to the Hollywood Walk of Fame isn’t new. Adam West, who portrayed the hero back in the 1960s TV series, was honored with a star in 2012. His sidekick Robin, played by Burt Ward, followed with his own star in 2020.
Batman is not the first fictional character to get a star, Mickey Mouse beat the caped crusader to that honor back in 1978. Batman’s star is number 2,790 on the walk.
What else does the dark knight have up and coming? A new comic book series, “Absolute Batman,” is set to launch on Oct. 9, and Batman’s legacy only continues to grow.
Hollywood preps for TV, film exodus as companies seek tax credits elsewhere
Hollywood is preparing to battle a major TV and film exodus. According to FilmLA, on-location shooting in Los Angeles dropped 12% in the second quarter of 2024, compared to last year. That’s even with the start of the Writers Guild of America Strike in May 2023.
The Wrap reported only two of the 12 TV shows that won primetime Emmys this year were filmed in California, which were “Hacks” and “The Morning Show.”
A big sticking point for companies is the fact that California does not permit productions to include salaries of actors, directors or other top talent toward any tax credits.
Production hubs in other locations like Georgia, where Marvel has filmed several movies, and the U.K. where “Wicked” was filmed, allowed above-the-line salaries to be deductible.
Another example is Gordon Ramsay’s show, “Masterchef,” which moved filming from LA to London.
California offers a $330 million TV and film tax credit program. It gives studios and producers tax credits up to $25 million based on eligible spending of 20% to 30% on productions in the state.
Some argue to stop the exodus in California, the incentive amount would need to triple and the types of productions that can apply would need to expand.
California Rep. Laura Friedman, D-Burbank, told The Wrap that Los Angeles city government officials would also need to look at ways to eliminate permit feeds and other costs it charges productions to film in the city.
US sending submarine to Middle East amid new developments
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has ordered a guided missile submarine to the Middle East. And Tom Cruise gives the Paris Olympics a Hollywood ending as we look toward the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Monday, Aug. 12, 2024.
U.S. sending submarine to Middle East amid new developments
The U.S. ordered the deployment of the USS Georgia, a “nuclear-powered submarine with cruise missiles,” to the Middle East. The movement of U.S. missile submarines is rarely revealed publicly — typically operating in near-complete secrecy — but the move comes as Israel is anticipating a potentially “large scale attack” by Iran in the next few days.
According to Axios, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday, Aug. 11, that Iran was making preparations for the attack on Israel. On Monday, Aug. 12 morning, Reuters reported Gallant’s ministry has confirmed a call between the two took place overnight.
The Israeli military has ordered more evacuations from part of a humanitarian safe zone it had set up in southwestern Gaza, saying they now plan to expand fighting. The IDF said there have been indications Hamas terrorists have a significant presence there now living among civilians.
These orders come a day after Israel struck a school-turned-shelter that the Hamas-run health ministry said killed at least 80 people. Israel claims Hamas fighters were hiding at the school compound.
Meanwhile, Hamas’ new leader said Sunday, Aug. 11, there would be no new negotiations for a cease-fire in Gaza this week unless mediators from the U.S., Qatar and Egypt revert to a plan that would see a truce in the war.
In a “CBS Sunday Morning,” President Joe Biden said he believes a cease-fire deal is still possible before he leaves office.
Biden gives first interview since dropping out of 2024 race
The CBS interview on Sunday was President Biden’s first interview since pulling out of the 2024 race. Biden explained a major reason why he made that decision was so the Democratic Party could focus on what he says is the real issue: defeating former President Donald Trump.
“Polls we had showed that it was neck and neck race, would’ve been down to the wire,” Biden said. “But what happened was a number of my Democratic colleagues in the House and Senate thought that I was going to hurt them in the races, and I was concerned if I stayed in the race that would be the topic. You’d be interviewing me about ‘Why did Nancy Pelosi say, why did so-and-so say?’ and I thought it would be a distraction.”
He added, “Although it’s a great honor being president, I think I have an obligation to the country to do the most important thing you can do, and that is we must, we must defeat Trump.”
Republican vice presidential candidate Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, had multiple one-on-one interviews air on Sunday, Aug. 11. In the interviews, he spoke with CNN’s Dana Bash, CBS’ Margaret Brennan and ABC’s Jonathan Karl about former President Trump’s plans should he be elected again in 2024.
On CBS, Vance defended recent comments by the former president indicating he may be willing to roll back access to the abortion pill. He said Trump “wants abortion related decisions to be left to the states.”
On CNN, Vance commented on Vice President Harris’ running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, saying he’s the one being “weird” after that term has been used by the Democratic Party to describe the Republican ticket.
“I think that you take a sequential approach to it,” Vance said. “You are going to have to deport some people. If you’re not willing to deport a lot of people, you’re not willing to have a border when there are 20 million illegal aliens in our country.”
“You start with what’s achievable, you do that, and then you go on to what’s achievable from there,” Vance added. “I think if you deport a lot of violent criminals, and frankly, if you make it harder to hire illegal labor — which undercuts the wages of American workers — I think you go a lot of the way to solving the illegal immigration problem. But look, President Trump is absolutely right; you cannot have a border unless you’re willing to deport some people. I think it’s interesting that people focus on, ‘Well, how do you deport 18 million people?’ Let’s start with one million, that’s where Kamala Harris has failed, and then we can go from there.”
Vance will be on the campaign trail on Wednesday, Aug. 14, making a stop in Michigan, a key swing state, while Trump is set address the economy in North Carolina.
Trump will be sitting down for an interview with Elon Musk on Monday night, Aug. 12.
Trump campaign says it was hacked by Iran
There are new concerns over foreign interference in the U.S. election after the Trump campaign said over the weekend it was hacked by Iran.
Both Politico and The Washington Post reported receiving internal Trump documents including research on Trump’s running mate, Sen. Vance, “from an anonymous email account.”
News of a campaign hack comes just as Microsoft said on Friday, Aug. 9, it discovered “evidence that Iranian hackers targeted an email account of a campaign official” back in June. While Microsoft didn’t specify what campaign was impacted in their announcement, a person familiar to the talks told The Washington Post it was Trump’s campaign.
The extent of any sort of hack is not currently known, but the Post said they received hundreds of pages labeled as “confidential.”
USA Gymnastics: Video shows Jordan Chiles should not be stripped of medal
There’s some controversy as the Summer Olympics in Paris reach their end. USA Gymnastics is challenging the ruling of Olympic officials that called for Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles to return her bronze medal.
Chiles won the medal after the individual floor exercise final last week, after her coach submitted a review of the judges’ scores.
However, the decision this weekend by the court of arbitration for sport said Chiles’ coach had asked for the review four seconds after a one-minute deadline to submit such a request had expired per competition rules, meaning Romania won the bronze.
On Sunday, Aug. 11, USA gymnastics fired back at that ruling, saying it has submitted time-stamped video evidence showing the request was made within the one minute window. Olympic officials have yet to respond to the latest twist in this gymnastics saga.
Tom Cruise closes Paris Olympics with Hollywood ending
Team USA led the way at the 2024 Olympics with the most total medals: 126. It also tied with China for most gold medals, with 40 each.
As Paris marked the conclusion of its Olympics, it was up to the next host city, Los Angeles, to close out the show in style and L.A. brought a Hollywood ending.
Actor Tom Cruise channeled his “Top Gun” and “Mission: Impossible” roles by jumping off the stadium’s roof in Paris.
He was then handed the Olympic flag by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Olympic great Simone Biles to take back to L.A.
The closing ceremony also saw the musician H.E.R. singing the national anthem, as well as performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Billie Eilish.
Coincidentally, Team USA taking home 126 medals is the most since the U.S. won 174 in 1984 — the last time the Olympics were played in Los Angeles.
