Nicolas Cage Slams AI Acting: 'Robots Can't Capture Human Essence'

Nicolas Cage has voiced strong opposition to the use of artificial intelligence in altering actors' performances, labeling it as a path leading to "a dead end." During his acceptance speech for the best actor award at the Saturn Awards for his role in *Dream Scenario*, Cage expressed his concerns about the encroaching influence of AI in the creative arts. He specifically highlighted the importance of human authenticity in art, stating, "Robots cannot reflect the human condition for us."

Cage credited director Kristoffer Borgli for his multifaceted contributions to *Dream Scenario*, but shifted focus to a broader issue: "It’s happening right now around all of us: the new AI world. I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us." He warned that allowing AI to manipulate performances, even minimally, would lead to a loss of artistic integrity, with financial interests overshadowing the truth and purity of art. Cage emphasized the essential role of art in mirroring the human condition, a task he believes robots are incapable of achieving effectively.

Cage's stance is part of a growing sentiment among actors and voice actors against the use of AI, particularly in the voice acting industry. Notable figures such as Ned Luke from *Grand Theft Auto 5* and Doug Cockle from *The Witcher* have also criticized AI's impact on their profession, citing income loss due to AI-generated voice replicas. Meanwhile, filmmakers have mixed views on AI's role in the industry. While Tim Burton finds AI-generated art "very disturbing," Zack Snyder advocates for embracing AI rather than resisting it.