In a recent interview with The New York Times, actress Scarlett Johansson did not hold back when it came to expressing her feelings towards OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Johansson suggested that Altman would make a fitting Marvel villain, possibly with a robotic arm. The tension between the two escalated back in May when OpenAI was accused of using an imitation of Johansson’s voice in the AI virtual assistant from the movie “Her.” While OpenAI denied the accusations, Johansson was left feeling shocked and angry by the situation. She made it clear that she did not want to be associated with the company’s use of her voice.
Johansson expressed her concerns about her children and the impact that the situation could have on them. She found the entire ordeal to be against her core values and did not want to be at the forefront of such controversy. The actress emphasized the importance of being mindful of her children and protecting them from any potential harm that could arise from the unauthorized use of her voice.
Deepfake Technology and AI-generated Content
During the interview, Johansson also touched upon the issue of AI-generated deepfakes and the impact they can have on individuals. She referred to deepfakes as a “dark wormhole” that can be difficult to navigate. Once something is taken down in one place, it seems to resurface elsewhere, creating a never-ending cycle of replication. Johansson highlighted the potential harm that deepfake technology can cause, especially when it comes to personal privacy and reputation.
The actress discussed the rapid advancement of technology and how it often surpasses our ability to comprehend its implications. Johansson noted that young people, in particular, are vulnerable to the effects of these technologies, which can have far-reaching consequences. She compared the onslaught of new technology to a massive wave, engulfing everything in its path without regard for the human consequences.
Legal Battle with Disney
In addition to her dispute with OpenAI, Johansson also found herself in a legal battle with Disney over the release of her Marvel film “Black Widow.” The conflict arose when Disney decided to release the movie in theaters and on its streaming platform, Disney+ Premier Access, against their initial contract. Johansson claimed that the streaming release would result in a loss of backend compensation, amounting to millions of dollars.
The public spat between Johansson and Disney garnered significant attention, with Disney accusing the actress of insensitivity towards the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Johansson maintained that the decision to release the film in a dual format was a breach of contract on Disney’s part. She expressed disappointment in the company’s actions and questioned their professionalism throughout the ordeal.
Scarlett Johansson’s recent interviews shed light on her experiences with OpenAI and Disney, highlighting the challenges that actors face in navigating the evolving landscape of technology and entertainment industry practices. Despite the controversies and legal battles, Johansson remains focused on her career and continues to deliver captivating performances on the big screen.
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