Robert Downey Jr has said that he: ‘will sue all future executives who make AI replicas of me’
Robert Downey Jr. is confident Marvel executives would not use artificial intelligence to recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark. However, if they did, he says he would take legal action—even beyond the grave.
Appearing on the On With Kara Swisher podcast, the Oscar-winning actor stated his opposition to AI recreating his likeness as Iron Man.
“I’m not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul because there are only a few people who make those decisions, and they would never do that to me, with or without my involvement,” Downey said.
Swisher pointed out that those decision-makers will eventually be replaced, prompting Downey to quip, “Well, you’re right. I’d like to formally state that I intend to sue all future executives just on principle.”
When Swisher countered, “But you’ll be dead,” Downey replied, “My law firm will still be very active.”
AI Raises Concerns in Hollywood
The conversation comes during ongoing disputes in Hollywood about AI’s role in the entertainment industry. Actors and performers have voiced concerns about the use of AI to replicate their likenesses without proper consent or compensation.
The Hollywood video game performers’ strike, which began in July after negotiations with major game companies broke down, is centered on protections against AI. Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) have described AI as an existential threat to performers.
AI was also a significant issue during last year’s four-month SAG-AFTRA strike involving film and television workers. The strike concluded with a deal requiring productions to obtain informed consent before using digital replicas of actors.
Downey's Legacy as Tony Stark
Downey, who played Tony Stark/Iron Man for over a decade in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has been vocal about the character’s significance. His comments reflect broader industry anxieties about how AI could impact intellectual property and performers’ rights.
Representatives for Marvel Studios and Downey have not yet commented on the matter.