The key facts
- Wahlberg is considering AI to enhance stadium scenes in the Pete Rose biopic, but is against generating scripts instead of actors.
- He has not been to CAA Vault, but is open to having his likeness scanned so his descendants could control his AI copy.
- He allowed for the animated series 'Ted' to continue with an AI version of himself after his death.
AI in Film 'the Right Way'
Hollywood remains divided on the use of AI in filmmaking, but actor and director Mark Wahlberg, also an entrepreneur and angel investor, believes the technology has a place in the industry — provided it is applied correctly. He spoke on the topic on stage at TechCrunch Disrupt in a conversation with TechCrunch editor-in-chief Connie Loizos.
The Pete Rose Biopic
Wahlberg said he potentially plans to use AI in the upcoming biopic about Pete Rose, in which he plays the lead role. 'It's a pretty expensive film, but we're talking about using [AI] to enhance the stadium environment and things like that,' he said. At the same time, he stressed that he does not think it is right to 'throw an idea into ChatGPT, get a script and shoot it without real actors,' but he supports using AI to enhance the work.
Storytelling Matters More Than Effects
According to the actor, storytelling should remain at the center of filmmaking. He recalled starring in large-scale films with visual effects — in the early days of 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Perfect Storm' with its hundred-foot wave from the trailer, which he called cutting-edge moments of computer graphics. Now, in his view, repeating such a breakthrough is difficult, so he is not as enthusiastic about films built on effects, in contrast to genuine storytelling.
AI Copy and Legacy
When asked about visiting CAA Vault — a facility by Creative Artists Agency where actors can use scanning to capture their body, face, movements and voice to create AI replicas — Wahlberg replied that he had not been there, but is open to the idea. 'I would be interested, because I think that in the future, if everything goes that way, it would be great if my children or grandchildren controlled my likeness and image, and, hopefully, cast me in good films,' he said.
The 'Ted' Series With an AI Version of Himself
Wahlberg also said he would not mind if his animated series 'Ted' continued for decades with an AI version of his likeness. 'I think that's cool if I can no longer do it or if I'm gone, and if it can continue and people want to watch it,' he noted, adding that viewers will have huge opportunities to watch what they want, and if there is a real audience, they should have the right to get the content they desire.
