As the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes continue in Hollywood, actor Sean Penn gave his take on studios wanting to use actors’ likenesses in the future.
What did Sean Penn say?
Speaking to Variety as part of a larger profile, Penn spoke briefly about Hollywood studios wanting to use the likenesses and voices of SAG actors for future AI use. According to, Penn he has an idea that he believes would break up the back-and-forth on the issue immediately.
“So you want my scans and voice data and all that,” Penn said. “OK, here’s what I think is fair: I want your daughter’s, because I want to create a virtual replica of her and invite my friends over to do whatever we want in a virtual party right now. Would you please look at the camera and tell me you think that’s cool?”
Penn continued on, affirming that he meant what he said, saying that taking the likeness of someone to use without their knowledge or consent is a “lack of morality,” similar to his own proposal.
“It’s not about business,” said Penn. “It’s an indecent proposal. That they would do that and not be taken to task for it is insulting. This is a real exposé on morality — a lack of morality.”
The discussion of AI has been one of the biggest sticking points in the ongoing strikes between both unions and the Hollywood studios. At its core, both SAG-AFTRA and the WGA are against the use of AI in either acting or writing, with many actors commenting on it as well. Earlier this year, Bryan Cranston said that their jobs wouldn’t be taken by “robots” in an impassioned speech.
