Robert Downey Jr. Wants to Sue Future Executives for AI Replicas

Robert Downey Jr. , the actor who famously played Iron Man in the Marvel movies, has a strong stance against AI replicas of his character. He recently shared on the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast that he plans to take legal action against any future executives who use AI to create a version of him. Downey doesn't think Marvel would do that, but he wants to be prepared. His main concern is that his likeness could be used without his consent. The discussion comes at a time when the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is dealing with a strike over AI protections. The union sees AI as a big threat to actors. Last year, they had a four-month strike over this issue. Downey's views on AI are also tied to his new Broadway play, "McNeal, " which explores themes like AI, artistic integrity, and copyright infringement. California has a new law that protects performers from unauthorized AI replicas. Downey can use this law to deny any uses of his digital replica in films. His upcoming role in "Avengers: Doomsday" will bring him back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2026.