Michael Douglas wants to retain control of his likeness after his death

At the age of 78, Michael Douglas wonders if he should protect his name and likeness from threats of the metaverse.

One follower asked, “Would you sell your digital image so that you can continue to star in movies after your death?”

Michael Douglas replied, “Yes.” In a recent “reader interview” with The Guardian, one follower asked, “Would you sell your digital image so you can continue to star in movies after you are dead?”Michael Douglas responded, “You get to an age where you start thinking about your will and estate. Now, I think I will have to license my name/likeness so that the rights go to my family and not to the metaverse. I can see what AI is doing when pictures are combined with text. It’s only a matter of time before you can recreate any dead person at any stage with the voice and mannerisms. So I want some control.”

Artificial Intelligence has certainly made its presence known. Although it is not new technology, these advancements are hard to ignore. Deepfake technology is one of the most important components. Michael Douglas isn’t the only one who is skeptical. Keanu Reeves recently discussed its dangers and uses, saying,

“When you perform in a film, it’s clear that you will be edited. But you are participating in that editing. Deepfake land is a place where you can’t see your point of view. That’s scary. I had my performance changed…They added a tearful look to my face and I was like, “Huh?” It was like, “I don’t even need to be here!”

One wonders whether Reeves is right. Is it necessary for the actor to be present on set when Michael Douglas is slated to play Benjamin Franklin? Is he really needed to be cast? Is it possible for Apple to create a new version of The First American using artificial intelligence and deepfake tech? Although this may be an exaggeration, actors might need to think about their legacy. Not the movies they leave behind, but how they might still be used in the future. Let us never forget Fred Astaire dancing with a vacuum cleaner…

How do you feel about actors licensing their likeness? What will artificial intelligence and deepfake tech take us? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgmS9lZRkuU01001010