Morgan Freeman has expressed his displeasure with the use of generative AI to replicate his distinctive voice.
Known for his unique and profound voice, Freeman has been a significant part of many classic films including The Shawshank Redemption and Se7en. He has also lent his voice to documentaries like March of the Penguins.
His iconic tones have not only garnered him a massive following but have also led to self-parody, as seen in The Lego Movie.
While Freeman can appreciate parody, he has a firm stance against the use of AI technology to generate his voice.
Generative AI has been increasingly used to create imaginative scenarios like ‘what if Picasso painted a Superman comic,’ and Freeman’s voice often finds its way into such content due to its recognizability.
Nevertheless, the actor has been explicit about his disapproval.
In an extensive interview with The Guardian, Freeman, 88, discussed various aspects of his storied career, including the impact AI presents to actors, musicians, and artists.
Freeman is notably unimpressed with AI’s capability to mimic his voice.
“I’m a little pissed off… don’t mimic me with falseness,” he stated to the publication. “I don’t appreciate it and I get paid for doing stuff like that, so if you’re gonna do it without me, you’re robbing me.”
While he didn’t elaborate on specific actions against AI voice imitation, he mentioned: “Well, I tell you, my lawyers have been very, very busy.”
Freeman’s concerns about generative AI extend beyond his own voice to its broader use in art.
The topic hit mainstream discourse following the emergence of the AI-generated ‘actress’ Tilly Norwood on Instagram.
Morgan pointed out: “Nobody likes her because she’s not real and that takes the part of a real person, so it’s not going to work out very well in the movies or in television.”
He further stated: “The union’s job is to keep actors acting, so there’s going to be that conflict.”
Tilly Norwood faced criticism not only for the reasons Freeman mentioned.
Critics also raised issues about her depiction as a young, attractive woman who lacks the autonomy to refuse roles or scenes, unlike a human actor.