Tom Hanks Objects to Unauthorized Use of His AI Likeness in Dental Plan Commercial

Renowned actor Tom Hanks has issued a stern warning to his fans after discovering that his artificial intelligence (AI) likeness has been featured in a commercial without his consent.

The star of ‘Elvis’ has expressed his disapproval of an advertisement promoting a dental plan that prominently features what appears to be a virtual replica of himself. Hanks has categorically stated that this AI version is a counterfeit creation, and he did not authorize its utilization.

Taking to Instagram, Hanks posted a screenshot from the controversial ad and wrote, “BEWARE!! There’s a video out there promoting some dental plan with an AI version of me. I have nothing to do with it.”

During an appearance on the ‘Adam Buxton Podcast,’ Tom Hanks delved deeper into the issue, revealing that discussions are currently underway within various guilds, agencies, and legal firms to address the complex legal aspects surrounding the use of his face and voice, as well as those of other individuals, as intellectual property.

Hanks emphasized, “What is a bona fide possibility right now is, if I wanted to, I could get together and pitch a series of seven movies that would star me in them in which I would be 32 years old from now until kingdom come. Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are by way of AI or deep fake technology. I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that’s it, but performances can go on and on and on and on. Outside the understanding of AI and deep fake, there’ll be nothing to tell you that it’s not me and me alone. And it’s going to have some degree of lifelike quality. That’s certainly an artistic challenge but it’s also a legal one.”

While acknowledging that AI-generated versions of himself may end up in projects he wouldn’t typically choose, Hanks remains uncertain whether audiences will be bothered by the distinction between real and AI-generated performances. He commented, “Without a doubt, people will be able to tell [that it’s AI], but the question is, will they care? There are some people that won’t care, that won’t make that delineation.”

Interestingly, in Tom Hanks’ upcoming movie ‘Here,’ slated for release next year, the actor will portray younger versions of himself, thanks to cutting-edge technology from Metaphysic. The AI company has previously explained its ability to create high-resolution photorealistic faceswaps and de-ageing effects in real time, enhancing actors’ performances without the need for extensive post-production work.