Nicolas Cage Calls AI Performances a 'Dead End', as 'Robots Cannot Reflect the Human Condition'

Nicolas Cage has openly criticized the use of artificial intelligence in acting, warning that any actor who allows AI to alter their performance is heading towards "a dead end." He believes that "robots cannot reflect the human condition," a sentiment he shared while accepting the best actor award for his role in *Dream Scenario* at the Saturn Awards. In his acceptance speech, Cage expressed gratitude to director Kristoffer Borgli for his multifaceted role in the film, but quickly shifted focus to his concerns about AI.

"I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us," Cage stated firmly. He argued that allowing AI to manipulate an actor's performance, even minimally, would lead to a slippery slope where "all integrity, purity, and truth of art will be replaced by financial interests only." Cage emphasized the essential role of art, including film performances, in mirroring the human condition through a deeply human, thoughtful, and emotional process. He cautioned that if robots take over this role, the art would lose its heart and become devoid of genuine human response, turning into "life as robots tell us to know it."

Cage's stance is not isolated. Several voice actors have also voiced opposition to AI, particularly in the realm of video games where AI has been used to recreate entire performances. Notable examples include Ned Luke from *Grand Theft Auto 5*, who criticized a chatbot using his voice, and Doug Cockle from *The Witcher*, who described AI as "inevitable" yet "dangerous," echoing concerns about the potential loss of income for voice actors.

In the film industry, opinions on AI vary. While legendary director Tim Burton finds AI-generated art "very disturbing," *Justice League* and *Rebel Moon* director Zack Snyder advocates for filmmakers to embrace AI rather than resist it. This ongoing debate highlights the complex relationship between technology and the arts, with Cage firmly standing against the encroachment of AI into the realm of human expression.