AI-Free 'Indiana Jones' Proves Soul Can't Be Stolen

Harrison Ford, the iconic Indiana Jones actor, recently praised Troy Baker's performance as Indy in the video game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, stating that it demonstrates the unnecessary use of artificial intelligence for voice acting. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal Magazine, Ford expressed his satisfaction with Baker's portrayal, emphasizing that genuine talent, not AI, was responsible for the successful recreation of his voice and character.

"You don’t need artificial intelligence to steal my soul," Ford declared. "You can already do it for a pittance with good ideas and talent. He did a brilliant job, and it didn’t take AI to do it."

Released in December, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle received positive critical response, contrasting sharply with the reception of the latest Indiana Jones film, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. This disparity in critical success might influence the franchise's future direction, potentially favoring video game adaptations over further film installments featuring Ford.

Ford joins a growing chorus of creatives expressing concern over AI's role in filmmaking and other media. Notable figures such as Tim Burton and Nicolas Cage have voiced similar reservations, describing AI-generated art as "very disturbing" and a "dead end," respectively.

The concerns extend to the voice acting community. Ned Luke (Grand Theft Auto 5) and Doug Cockle (The Witcher) have openly criticized the use of AI in voice cloning, highlighting the potential for financial exploitation and the ethical implications of unauthorized voice replication. While acknowledging AI's inevitability, they emphasize its inherent dangers and the detrimental impact on the livelihoods of voice actors.