One of the most highly controversial issues today is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) on almost everything, from written works to digital doubles. The SAG-AFTRA strike has raised this concern as AI was being used to copy the voice and likeness of the actors even without their permission. While the strike already ended, the use of AI did not and one of the most recent victims of it is Mark Hamill whose likeness was used in a Star Wars deepfake animation which he bluntly disapproves of.
As controversial as the use of AI is, various content creators continue its usage for their own benefit and recently, a YouTube channel named "Star Wars Theory" posted an announcement for the coverage of an unofficial Star Wars series with Luke Skywalker's journey through the Heir of the Empire trilogy. The announcement directly said that it will be a "deepfake animation of Luke Skywalker" and this did not sit well with the fans nor those who disapprove of the idea of using someone's likeness without consent. An X user, @PlasmaPistolCEO, asked Mark Hamill directly whether he gave permission to use his likeness on the AI deepfake, and Hamill coldly and bluntly replied, "no." Check the exchange of tweets below:
Unsatisfied, the YouTuber responded on the matter with a video titled “Mark Hamill Doesn’t Like Me? – Well This Sucks.” Who in the right mind would like someone who used their likeness without permission and expect that the person would like such actions? Hamill clarified that he is not angry on the YouTuber but highlighted the issue of the use of AI without the consent of the person being imitated.
Will Mark Hamill still return as Luke Skywalker in Star Wars?
One of the Star Wars originals is Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker and even after 45 years from his debut in Star Wars, he still gets asked the question on whether he would return in the franchise. Even when Hamill returned in the sequel trilogy, speaking with CBS News, Hamill said, “Well, you never say never, but I just don’t see any reason to.” Hamill added, “Let me put it that way: I mean, they have so many stories to tell, they don’t need Luke anymore. I had my time, and that’s good. But that’s enough.”
While the use of unconsented AI remains highly controversial in Hollywood, there are uses of AI that are allowed like when Hamill, himself, was de-aged in The Mandalorian Season and The Book of Boba Fett. These instances are, possibly, the only permissible use of the AI tech, only when the person being subjected to it consented.
All the Star Wars contents are available to stream on Disney Plus.
