The landscape of Hollywood is undergoing a seismic shift as prominent artists and actors voice their concerns regarding the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their creativity and livelihood. Since the onset of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, figures such as Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson, and Natasha Lyonne have been at the forefront of this contentious debate, advocating for the protection of human artistry in an age where AI technologies are rapidly evolving.
Scarlett Johansson’s activism gained momentum when her voice was used without her consent by OpenAI for their product, ChatGPT, in 2024. The incident prompted her to issue a cease and desist statement and led to her participation in the “Stealing Isn’t Innovation” campaign organized by the Human Artistry Campaign. Launched in January 2026, the initiative has garnered over 700 signatures from creatives who assert that “Stealing our work is not innovation. It’s not progress. It’s theft—plain and simple.” Johansson emphasized the risks posed to the U.S. creative sector, which supports millions of jobs.
Cate Blanchett joined Johansson in advocating for ethical AI development, aligning with the “Stealing Isn’t Innovation” campaign. In a joint statement released on January 22, 2026, they called for licensing agreements to prevent exploitation of artists’ work. “A better way exists. It is possible to have it all,” the statement read, highlighting the potential for advanced AI while ensuring that creators’ rights are respected. Blanchett cautioned against the unchecked rise of AI, warning that it could undermine cultural power across various sectors, including film, television, music, and publishing.
Meanwhile, Nicolas Cage delivered a compelling address at the 2025 National Board of Review Awards, where he warned against allowing AI to dictate artistic expression. “I am a big believer in not letting robots dream for us,” Cage declared, expressing his fears that AI manipulation could jeopardize the authenticity of performances. He emphasized that compromising even slightly on artistic integrity could lead to a slippery slope where financial interests overshadow the very essence of art.
Samuel L. Jackson has taken practical steps to protect his likeness from posthumous AI exploitation. In a Rolling Stone interview, he advised future actors to scrutinize contracts containing terms like “in perpetuity” and “known and unknown,” suggesting they should cross out such clauses. This proactive measure serves as a form of resistance against potential misuse of their identities long after their careers have ended.
Adding to the discourse, Natasha Lyonne voiced her opposition to AI-generated characters, specifically targeting the digital “actress” Tilly Norwood in September 2025. Lyonne publicly called for boycotts against talent agencies associated with Norwood, labeling the initiative “profoundly misguided and utterly unsettling.” Her efforts were bolstered by an open letter signed by over 420 industry insiders, including Bette Midler and Mark Ruffalo, advocating for stricter copyright enforcement. The SAG-AFTRA union echoed her sentiments, clarifying that Norwood is a character created by a computer program, not a legitimate actress.
As these influential figures rally against the encroachment of AI in creative fields, their advocacy highlights the pressing need for regulations that balance technological innovation with fair compensation for artists. The collective push from Hollywood’s elite signifies a broader movement to safeguard the soul of the creative industry for future generations, ensuring that human artistry remains paramount in a rapidly digitalizing world. With the stakes so high, the conversation surrounding the ethical implications of AI in art and entertainment is likely to intensify in the years to come.
For further insights, industry stakeholders may consider the implications of these developments by reviewing statements and actions from organizations such as SAG-AFTRA and the Human Artistry Campaign, and keeping an eye on how AI technologies from companies like OpenAI evolve in response to these concerns.
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