The Digital Frontier: Marvel's Approach to Actor Likenesses
Kat Dennings' Digital Footprint in the MCU
Kat Dennings, known for her role as Darcy Lewis across several Marvel productions, including the "Thor" films and "WandaVision," disclosed during an interview on the set of her new sitcom "Shifting Gears" that Marvel has digitally scanned her. This procedure, as she explained, means her likeness is now stored within Marvel's system, potentially allowing for her inclusion in future projects without her direct physical presence. Despite playfully denying any involvement in the upcoming "Avengers: Doomsday," Dennings acknowledged that with her digital twin on file, Marvel theoretically possesses the means to feature her character in various capacities.
The "Avengers: Doomsday" Speculation and Beyond
The conversation around Dennings' digital scan arose when she was queried about her participation in "Avengers: Doomsday." While she maintained that she is not currently slated for the film, emphasizing that it was likely already filmed while she was occupied with her sitcom, the underlying message was clear: her digital essence offers Marvel boundless opportunities. Her previous appearances in the animated series "What If...?" where she voiced Darcy, further underscore the studio's existing comfort with utilizing actors' voices and likenesses across different media formats. The precise ways in which Marvel plans to leverage these digital assets remain a subject of industry speculation and anticipation.
Hollywood's AI Debate: A Growing Concern
The practice of body scanning actors, while becoming increasingly prevalent in Hollywood, is not without its controversies. This development has ignited a heated debate within the entertainment industry, particularly concerning the ethical implications of artificial intelligence. Last year, acclaimed actor Nicolas Cage voiced his profound unease regarding AI's potential misuse of body scans. He expressed his fears to The New Yorker about his digital likeness being exploited post-mortem, stressing the importance of artists retaining control over their image and legacy. Cage's apprehension highlights a widespread concern among performers about the long-term ramifications of digital replication, questioning where the boundary lies between technological advancement and the preservation of human artistic integrity.
The Enduring Impact of Digital Doubles
The ongoing dialogue about digital scanning and AI in film points to a transformative era in moviemaking. While offering unprecedented creative avenues, such as bringing characters back for future installments or utilizing actors' likenesses for diverse projects, it also necessitates a critical examination of intellectual property, consent, and the very definition of an actor's performance. As "Avengers: Doomsday" approaches its December 18 release, the discourse surrounding Kat Dennings' digital presence and Nicolas Cage's AI concerns continues to shape discussions about the intersection of technology and art in the modern cinematic landscape.