Morgan Freeman Shares Concerns Over AI Voice Imitation

Hollywood icon Morgan Freeman has expressed his frustration regarding AI technologies mimicking his voice. He feels that certified impersonations are detracting from his identity.

In a recent interview, Freeman, known for his roles in films like Seven and Now You See Me, Now You Don’t, voiced his thoughts on this issue. “I’m kind of PO’d, you know,” he stated. “I’m just like any other actor. Don’t lie and imitate me. I don’t appreciate it, and I actually get paid for that sort of thing. So, if you decide to do it without my consent, you’re taking money away from me.”

He mentioned that he has filed lawsuits against several people using his voice without permission, emphasizing how he originally developed his voice skills under the guidance of an instructor named Robert Whitman at his community college.

“Let me tell you, my lawyer is very, very busy,” he quipped, recalling advice given by Whitman, which included practicing clear speech and lowering his voice. “Most people’s voices will be higher than normal if they know how to relax. He taught me things like that.”

Earlier this year, reports emerged about actors worrying that talent agents might represent a digital actress named Tilly Norwood. Freeman regarded Norwood as a threat to authentic actors. “No one likes her because she’s not real and she’s playing the role of a real person. It wouldn’t work in movies or on TV,” he commented. “There will be conflicts because the union’s role is essentially to protect real actors.”

Sean Astin, recently elected president of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), noted that the organization is focused on safeguarding actors amidst the rise of generative AI. “We’ve been seeing it coming for a long time… At SAG-AFTRA, we’re at the forefront, helping to shape policy in this sector, at least in entertainment. Our lawyers are actively involved in drafting the language that will be included in forthcoming AI protection legislation,” he explained.