Nicolas Cage: AI Performances a 'Dead End', Robots Lack Human Condition Insight

Nicolas Cage has taken a firm stance against the use of artificial intelligence in acting, warning that any actor who allows AI to alter their performance is heading towards "a dead end." He believes that "robots cannot reflect the human condition," a sentiment he shared while accepting the best actor award for his role in *Dream Scenario* at the Saturn Awards, as reported by Variety.

In his acceptance speech, Cage expressed gratitude to director Kristoffer Borgli for his multifaceted contributions to the film, but quickly shifted focus to the broader issue of AI. "But there is another world that is also disturbing me. It’s happening right now around all of us: the new AI world," Cage stated. He emphasized his belief that allowing robots to influence artistic performances would lead to a loss of integrity, purity, and truth in art, driven solely by financial interests.

Cage argued that the essence of art, including film performances, is to mirror the human condition through a thoughtful and emotional process. "A robot can’t do that," he asserted, warning that if AI takes over, art would lose its heart and become devoid of genuine human response. "It will be life as robots tell us to know it," he cautioned, urging artists to protect their authentic expressions from AI interference.

Cage's views echo concerns raised by other actors, particularly in the voice acting community, where AI has been used to recreate entire performances, even in high-profile video games. Voice actors like Ned Luke from *Grand Theft Auto 5* and Doug Cockle from *The Witcher* have spoken out against AI, with Luke criticizing a chatbot that used his voice and Cockle describing AI as "inevitable" but "dangerous," highlighting the potential for AI to rob voice actors of income.

The film industry has also seen a divide in opinions on AI. While legendary director Tim Burton finds AI-generated art "very disturbing," *Justice League* and *Rebel Moon* director Zack Snyder advocates for filmmakers to embrace AI rather than resist it.