Summary of Key Points
Recently, there has been a contrasting phenomenon in the entertainment industry: veteran artists such as Wang Zuxian, Wu Qihua, and You Benchang have authorized AI to use their classic portraits or images for “digital revivals,” while young actors are fiercely resisting the cloning of AI-generated avatars. Behind this polarization lie the different career stages and interests of the two groups of artists. Veteran artists use AI to monetize their popularity and balance public expectations with their private lives; young actors, on the other hand, fear that AI will take away their jobs and control over their own images. The article also explores the relationship between AI and acting skills: while AI can replicate the physical appearance of performances, it struggles to capture the essence of genuine emotion and presence.
1. Veteran Artists: AI as a Way to Monetize Their Legacy
For veteran artists, AI authorization is like finding a windfall. They face two main challenges: firstly, they may lack work opportunities—Wang Zuxian has been out of the industry for 22 years, Wu Qihua’s roles have diminished to supporting parts in short dramas, and You Benchang is too old to perform action scenes. Secondly, they possess a significant legacy, with decades of popularity and iconic characters (such as Nie Xiaoqian, Ji Gong, and Xiaolao Da) that carry emotional value.
AI authorization solves these issues:
- Quick monetization: They can convert their past popularity into income without having to act or attend promotional events, simply by charging for licensing rights.
- Fulfilling nostalgia: AI allows them to regain their peak looks (e.g., Wang Zuxian’s 20-year-old version of Nie Xiaoqian), satisfying fans’ nostalgic desires without compromising their private lives (Wang Zuxian resides in Vancouver and does not need to appear in person).
- Risk management: You Benchang has specified that AI can only be used for “positive” Ji Gong-related content, allowing him to maintain control over the image’s portrayal.
In short, AI helps veteran artists find a perfect balance between being forgotten and being overly exposed to the public eye.
2. Young Actors: AI Threatens Their Careers
For young actors and celebrities, AI represents a threat to their livelihoods. Their core competitiveness lies in their uniqueness as real people:
- Reduced scarcity: If producers can use an AI model once, they might prefer it over hiring the actual actor, saving costs.
- Loss of control: Their faces become digital assets that could be manipulated or used in unwanted projects (e.g., in AI-generated short dramas).
- Learning from Hollywood examples: The Hollywood Actors Guild’s strike was against producers using digital doubles without compensation, highlighting young actors’ fear of becoming “one-time products.”
For them, AI is not an opportunity but a threat to their careers.
3. Can AI Replicate Acting Skills?
Current AI technology is impressive: it can analyze 68 key facial features and replicate microexpressions (such as the subtle gesture of rubbing sleeves, which Wu Qihua once performed). However, it still falls short of capturing the essence of acting:
- The core of acting lies in the actor’s presence on screen—real emotions and reactions (e.g., a pause before crying during a scene).
- These elements come from the actor’s life experience and immediate responses; AI can only learn from past data and cannot create new emotions.
Fans notice that AI-generated images lack the genuine emotional depth, as seen in Wang Zuxian’s short videos.
4. No Matter How Advanced Technology Gets, Audiences Still Crave Authenticity
Even if AI develops to simulate more realistic emotions, humans will always seek authenticity. When we watch movies or dramas, we are experiencing stories of “another real life.” No matter how similar an AI creation is, it remains a product of algorithms and cannot replace the emotional connection with real actors.
For example, Marlon Brando’s lines in “The Godfather” were recorded multiple times; the final version was chosen for its unique emotional impact. An AI-generated performance would always be based on probability, lacking spontaneity and warmth.
In conclusion, while AI can be a useful tool for veteran artists to revive their careers, it poses a threat to young actors. Ultimately, acting is an art form that relies on human emotions and unique experiences, and authenticity will always be what audiences value most.