Nicolas Cage has strongly criticized artificial intelligence, stating that actors who allow AI to modify their performances are heading toward "a dead end" because "robots cannot reflect the human condition."
As reported by Variety, Cage won Best Actor for his role in Dream Scenario at the Saturn Awards and used his acceptance speech to address AI concerns.
"I have to thank Kristoffer Borgli for his direction, writing, editing, and for creating this incredibly disturbing yet hilarious world he envisioned," Cage began. "But there's another disturbing reality unfolding around us: the rise of AI."
"I firmly believe we mustn't let robots dictate our dreams. They're incapable of capturing the depth of human experience. Actors who permit AI to alter their performances, even slightly, walk a dangerous path—compromising artistic integrity purely for financial gain. We cannot allow that."
"Art's fundamental purpose—whether film, performance, or otherwise—is to mirror humanity's external and internal narratives through genuine creative expression. Machines lack this capacity. If we surrender creativity to algorithms, art loses its soul, becoming hollow and meaningless. It would reshape our perception of life into something artificial rather than authentically human. I urge everyone: safeguard your artistic truth from AI's influence."
Cage joins other performers voicing concerns about AI, particularly in voice acting where synthetic recreations have emerged—even in major video games.
Prominent voice actors have opposed this trend, including Grand Theft Auto 5's Ned Luke, who denounced unauthorized voice replication through chatbots. The Witcher's Doug Cockle told IGN that while AI adoption seems inevitable, its risks remain severe, echoing Luke's view that such technology threatens performers' livelihoods.
Filmmakers remain divided on AI's role. Tim Burton described AI-generated art as deeply unsettling, whereas Zack Snyder (Justice League, Rebel Moon) advocates embracing technological change rather than resisting it.
