Deepfake technology often grabs headlines for its controversies, but in the world of entertainment, it’s proving to be a groundbreaking tool that’s reshaping creativity and storytelling. This post is part of a series exploring the positive uses of deepfakes, with this first blog focusing on AI’s transformative impact on the entertainment industry. From bringing legendary actors back to life to enhancing the post-production process, deepfakes are transforming the media and entertainment industry for the better.
Reviving the Legends
One of the most talked-about applications of deepfake technology is its ability to resurrect iconic actors for modern audiences. This technology allows filmmakers to complete unfinished projects or add a touch of authenticity to historical or biographical films. By leveraging AI, filmmakers can recreate lifelike performances of late actors, offering a taste of nostalgia while preserving cinematic history.
For example, Peter Cushing was brought back as Grand Moff Tarkin in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, and Carrie Fisher’s younger self appeared in the same film through deepfake and AIVFX (AI Visual Effects) techniques which allows the creation of virtual sets and backgrounds, so scenes can easily be adapted to different narrative requirements without the logistical challenges and costs of on-location shoots.
While digitally reviving actors preserves cultural heritage and enhances storytelling, it also raises ethical and legal questions. Posthumous use of an actor’s likeness requires consent from estates or families, complicating negotiations. Moreover, over-reliance on such techniques risks sidelining emerging talent and blurring the line between homage and exploitation.
Additionally, AI-driven enhancements, such as accent modification for language accessibility, introduce concerns about authenticity and potential backlash. For instance, The Brutalists used AI to adjust actors’ accents, sparking debate over artistic integrity and cultural representation.
Streamlining Visual Effects in Movies with Deepfake
Deepfake technology streamlines the VFX process, saving time and resources. Traditional CGI can be labor-intensive and expensive, requiring months of work to perfect. With deepfake technology, filmmakers can create realistic face swaps, age adjustments, and other visual enhancements in a fraction of the time.
Take Martin Scorsese’s The Irishman as an example: while de-aging Robert De Niro relied heavily on CGI, deepfake methods could have significantly reduced costs. This efficiency empowers smaller studios and independent filmmakers to compete with big-budget productions, democratizing the creative landscape.
Unlocking New Creative Possibilities
Deepfakes are opening the door to creative innovations in the entertainment world that were previously unthinkable. Directors can experiment with casting by digitally testing different actors in roles before making final decisions. Musicians and game developers are also using deepfakes to enhance storytelling, creating hyper-realistic avatars for performances or interactive experiences.
A notable example is in gaming, where hyper-realistic characters powered by deepfake technology blur the line between virtual and reality. Similarly, with AI-driven Voice Skins features you can morph your voice to better fit a character with a different age, gender, or body type than your own. This immersive potential creates deeper connections with audiences, offering experiences that are more engaging and lifelike.
Disney Research Studios has developed production-ready face re-aging technology, allowing filmmakers to seamlessly de-age or age characters without the need for extensive post-production work or makeup. This advancement has been notably utilized in The Mandalorian, where deepfake techniques helped recreate a younger version of Luke Skywalker, portrayed by Mark Hamill.
The Future of Deepfake Entertainment
Deepfake technology isn’t just a tool; it’s a bridge between imagination and reality. While its misuse in entertainment raises valid concerns, focusing on its positive potential reminds us that innovation can inspire as much as it disrupts. Imagine interactive films where audiences can swap out characters’ faces or voiceovers to create personalized experiences.
Or educational content where historical figures are brought to life with uncanny accuracy to teach students about the past. For example, Salvador Dalí Museum offers an experience using AI to allow visitors to interact with an engaging life-like Salvador Dalí on a series of screens throughout the Museum.
Deepfakes also hold a transformative potential for improving language accessibility in entertainment. By using AI-driven lip-syncing and voice modulation, films, games, and other media can be seamlessly localized into multiple languages without losing the authenticity of performances. Unlike traditional subtitles or dubbing, this approach preserves the original actor’s expressions and tone, creating a more immersive and inclusive experience for global audiences.
Moreover, collaboration between technologists and creatives can help balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that deepfakes are a force for good. They should also strive to make these digital creations as realistic as possible to maintain audience immersion and artistic integrity. Controversies like The Brutalist AI-generated accent and Secret Invasion’s AI-assisted opening credits highlight the backlash when artificial elements appear unnatural or disrupt the viewing experience.
As deepfake technology becomes more accessible in the entertainment industry, balancing creative possibilities with ethical guidelines will be essential to ensure its responsible use in preserving legacies without commodifying them.
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