Controversy Surrounds Use of Artificial Intelligence to Recreate Late Actor’s Likeness in “Alien: Romulus”

Fans of the “Alien” franchise have expressed their concerns over the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to recreate the likeness of the late actor Ian Holm in the recently released film “Alien: Romulus.” The humanoid android character named Rook bears a striking resemblance to Holm, who starred in the original 1979 “Alien” film and passed away in 2020 at the age of 88. The use of AI technology to bring back Holm’s image has sparked a debate among fans.

Director Fede Alvarez defended the decision to use AI, stating that the intention was not to replicate Holm’s talent as an actor but rather to pay homage to the beloved character. Alvarez obtained the approval of Holm’s widow, Sophie de Stempel, before proceeding with the recreation. The director emphasized that the use of AI was specific to the film and does not believe it will replace actors in the future.

To recreate Holm’s likeness, an animatronic resembling the late actor was used on set and puppeteered, with British actor Daniel Betts providing the voice and facial capture. The voice was later altered using generative AI and computer modeling to sound more like Holm. Alvarez clarified that an actor was still involved in the process and that the use of AI required a significant team and resources.

The controversy surrounding the use of Holm’s likeness comes as new legislation in California aims to address the usage of actors’ likenesses, both living and deceased. The bills, AB 1836 and AB 2602, seek to regulate the creation of digital replicas of performers without consent from their estates and increase consent requirements for living performers in relation to AI replicas. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has supported these bills and expressed the importance of explicit consent.

The Motion Picture Association, representing major studios, has also praised the proposed legislation. SAG-AFTRA National Executive Director Duncan Crabtree-Ireland highlighted the urgency of these bills, emphasizing the need for consent in the digital era.