What did Lisa Kudrow say about Tom Hanks' new movie? Friends actress criticizes Here for "endorsement of AI"

Lisa Kudrow has openly criticized the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Robert Zemeckis' latest movie, Here, which reunites the director with his Forrest Gump stars Tom Hanks and Robin Wright.

Speaking on the Armchair Expert podcast episode released on December 9, 2024, Kudrow labeled the film's use of AI-driven de-aging technology as "an endorsement for AI," raising concerns about the future of human involvement in the entertainment industry.

"All I got from that was, this is an endorsement for AI and oh, my God. It's not like, 'Oh, it's going to ruin everything,' but what will be left? Forget actors, what about up-and-coming actors? They'll just be licensing and recycling," Lisa Kudrow answered when asked for her thoughts on the use of AI and de-aging technology in movies like Here.

Despite its nostalgic reunion of Hollywood legends, Here has drawn attention for its reliance on advanced AI tools to depict characters over multiple time periods, creating lifelike younger versions of Hanks and Wright. Lisa Kudrow's remarks follow recent debates about the role of AI in the industry, amplified by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes calling for stricter regulation of such technologies.

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Lisa Kudrow highlights AI's threat to actors

Lisa Kudrow expressed unease over how AI might reshape the entertainment landscape, particularly for up-and-coming talent.

"They shot it, and they could actually shoot the scene and then look at the playback of them as younger, and it's ready for them to see," she explained.

Her concerns extended beyond the immediate impact on actors. The F.R.I.E.N.D.S. star questioned the broader implications of AI on human work.

"Set that completely aside, what work will there be for human beings? Then what? There'll be some kind of living stipend for people, you won't have to work? How can it possibly be enough?" Lisa Kudrow continued.

Ahead of Here's release, Tom Hanks himself acknowledged the capabilities and challenges of AI in filmmaking. Speaking on The Adam Buxton Podcast in 2023, Hanks highlighted the possibility of his digital likeness continuing to act in perpetuity.

Tom Hanks explained that it is entirely possible, using AI technology, for him to create a series of films in which he would appear as his 32-year-old self indefinitely, highlighting the transformative capabilities of AI in filmmaking.

"Anybody can now recreate themselves at any age they are by way of AI or deep fake technology … I could be hit by a bus tomorrow and that's it, but my performances can go on and on and on," he further explained.

He acknowledged the dual artistic and legal challenges AI poses, particularly in maintaining the authenticity of performances.

Tom Hanks stated that while AI or deepfake technology can replicate his likeness to the point where it seems entirely authentic, the key question remains whether audiences will care about the artificial nature of such performances once they know they are generated by AI.

Here, based on Richard McGuire's graphic novel, is a multi-generational drama exploring the lives of families within a single location. The film employs AI-driven de-aging technology to seamlessly portray Hanks and Wright at various ages, a creative decision that has sparked controversy.

Co-written by Zemeckis and Forrest Gump screenwriter Eric Roth, the film also stars Paul Bettany, Kelly Reilly, and Michelle Dockery. Despite its ambition and star-studded cast, Here underperformed at the box office, grossing just $13 million worldwide.

The film's visual effects have earned recognition, with Here currently vying for an Oscars shortlist spot in the Best Visual Effects category. However, the controversy surrounding its use of AI remains central to its reception.