The Groundbreaking Use of Generative AI to De-Age Tom Hanks in 'Here'
In a bold move that blends innovation with controversy, the new film Here , directed by Robert Zemeckis, has caught attention for its cutting-edge use of generative AI technology. This $50 million production, which was released by TriStar Pictures, showcases how artificial intelligence can transform the very essence of filmmaking, particularly in visual effects. At the heart of this technological feat is the de-aging of iconic actors Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, using AI-powered face transformation techniques to portray them across a 60-year span. This is one of the first major Hollywood projects to fully embrace AI in such an intricate way, marking a significant leap in the entertainment industry.
Here is adapted from a 2014 graphic novel and unfolds mainly in a New Jersey living room, but through multiple time periods. Instead of hiring different actors to play various ages, the filmmakers turned to AI to modify Hanks' and Wright's appearances, adapting their faces to seamlessly fit the timeline required by each scene. The technology behind this achievement was developed by Metaphysic, a visual effects company that specializes in real-time face swapping and aging effects. The AI system was trained using a vast dataset of previous film frames, capturing detailed facial movements, skin textures, and lighting conditions. This allowed the team to instantly transform the actors' faces during filming, rather than waiting for post-production adjustments, as is traditional with CGI techniques.
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The results were impressive. Filming was done with two monitors: one showing the actors' actual appearance and the other reflecting their modified faces at the required age. The real-time capabilities of Metaphysic's AI system eliminated the need for months of labor-intensive work that typical CGI effects demand. This technology was not just a time-saver but also cost-effective, as traditional methods for such face modifications would have required hundreds of artists and a significantly larger budget, akin to Marvel-level productions.
Despite its technical marvel, the film arrives at a time when Hollywood is embroiled in heated debates about the role of AI in creative processes. While the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild have negotiated strict limitations on AI's use, particularly in scriptwriting, some industry insiders view AI as inevitable. The film's groundbreaking effects have already set a precedent, with other productions like Furiosa and Alien: Romulus using AI to recreate deceased actors or reintroduce characters from past films. However, not everyone is thrilled about the growing presence of AI in Hollywood. For example, Robert Downey Jr. has publicly expressed concerns over the potential use of AI to bring back deceased or retired actors, emphasizing the need for control over their digital likeness.
As Here demonstrates, the use of AI in filmmaking can lead to new possibilities in storytelling. However, its implications are still unfolding. With rapid advancements in AI, studios, actors, and writers must navigate a future where the line between human performances and digital recreations becomes increasingly blurred. Whether this new era of AI-driven filmmaking will preserve the authenticity and creativity of human actors or lead to an over-reliance on technology is a question that Hollywood will have to answer in the years to come.
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