
Lisa Kudrow’s recent comments on Armchair Expert have added fuel to the growing debate about the implications of AI in Hollywood, particularly in light of the Tom Hanks-starring film Here. Directed by Robert Zemeckis and featuring de-aging technology to tell a multigenerational story, Here has drawn both acclaim for its technical achievements and criticism for its reliance on AI-driven tools.
During the podcast, Kudrow described Here as “an endorsement for AI,” voicing apprehensions about how such technology could reshape the acting profession. While acknowledging that AI might not “ruin everything,” she raised key questions about the impact on up-and-coming actors and the industry’s future.
She argued that as studios increasingly use AI to de-age actors or even license and recycle their likenesses, opportunities for new talent could dwindle. “What work will there be for human beings?” she asked, envisioning a scenario where actors might face a diminished role in storytelling and broader economic consequences for society.
Kudrow’s critique aligns with ongoing concerns from actors like Morgan Freeman, Scarlett Johansson, and Robert Downey Jr. These stars have spoken out against the unauthorized use of their likenesses and the ethical challenges of AI-driven creations. Keanu Reeves has reportedly gone so far as to include clauses in his contracts banning the use of AI to replicate his likeness, underscoring the urgency many actors feel to protect their intellectual property.
Tom Hanks himself has previously discussed these issues, noting the possibility of his performances continuing posthumously via AI. He described the current deliberations among guilds and legal entities over the ownership of actors’ voices and faces as critical to the future of the industry.
Here, which uses de-aging technology to depict characters across decades, is part of a broader trend, joining Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and Alien: Romulus in the Oscars shortlist race for best visual effects. These films exemplify how AI tools are being integrated into major productions to push creative boundaries. However, Kudrow’s comments highlight the tension between technological innovation and the preservation of artistic integrity and job opportunities.
The WGA Writers’ Strike earlier this year spotlighted these concerns, with writers demanding protections against AI’s encroachment on creative roles. The Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA) has also joined the fight, emphasizing the need for robust contract provisions around AI use.
Kudrow’s remarks were part of a wider conversation while promoting her Netflix series No Good Deed. However, her critique of Here reflects broader anxieties within Hollywood about how technology might upend traditional roles, transform storytelling, and challenge the notion of authenticity in performance.
As AI continues to advance, the industry is left grappling with the balance between innovation and safeguarding the human element that has long defined cinema.