Robert Downey Jr. warns he will sue future executives if they use his AI replica, even after his death

Discussing his role as Iron Man, Downey expressed that he does not wish for his likeness to be replicated using AI technology.

Robert Downey Jr., famously known as Iron Man in the MCU, has expressed his concerns about AI replicating Tony Stark. He mentioned that he would direct his lawyers to take legal action against any future executives who attempt to create digital replicas of him using AI.

During a recent episode of the On With Kara Swisher podcast, Swisher informed the actor that "future executives" might attempt to recreate his likeness using AI after his passing. Downey Jr. cautioned these executives that his legal team would remain actively engaged in such matters.

“I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," said the Iron Man actor.

Discussing his role as Iron Man, Downey expressed that he does not wish for his likeness to be replicated using AI technology.

Robert Downey Jr. also stated, "I am not worried about them hijacking my character's soul because there's like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway and they would never do that to me, with or without me."

Downey Jr. is a highly regarded and influential figure in the film industry, having recently won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 2023's Oppenheimer. He portrayed Iron Man in the MCU for an impressive 11 years.

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Leaders of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists have characterized the labor dispute, particularly regarding AI, as an existential crisis for performers. According to Times of India, a SAG-AFTRA spokesperson stated that Downey has the legal right to refuse any use of his digital replica in films, thanks to California's new law that prohibits unauthorized replication of a deceased performer's likeness without prior consent.

For much of fans' excitement, Downey Jr. is making his return to the MCU, but this time not as Tony Stark. He will portray Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday, the upcoming central antagonist for the Avengers to confront.