Even as Hollywood remains divided over the use of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, actor and director Mark Wahlberg believes the technology has a legitimate place in the industry as long as it is applied in the right way.
Enhancing the Pete Rose Biopic With Technology
The actor revealed plans to potentially utilize artificial intelligence to enhance certain aspects of the upcoming Pete Rose biopic, a high-profile project in which he will star in the title role. Describing the production as a fairly expensive movie, he explained that discussions are underway about leveraging the technology to enhance background elements like stadium settings and similar environmental details.
Wahlberg was careful to draw a line regarding creative boundaries, emphasizing that nobody should simply type an idea into ChatGPT to generate a script and make a movie without utilizing real actors. However, he maintained a supportive stance on using the tools strictly to elevate and enhance the creative work already being produced by human talent.
Prioritizing Storytelling Over Pure Effects
Reflecting on his extensive career, Wahlberg stressed that compelling storytelling should remain at the absolute heart of filmmaking. He recalled starring in major effects-driven blockbusters during what he considered a sweet spot in cinema technology, noting the groundbreaking waves of computer-generated imagery seen in releases like the original Jurassic Park and The Perfect Storm.
Despite his history with blockbuster spectacles, the actor admitted that he is no longer as passionate about purely effects-driven movies in the modern landscape. He argued that replicating those pioneering moments is much harder today, shifting his creative focus toward genuine, character-driven narratives.
Exploring Digital Clones and Future Legacy
When asked whether he had ever visited the CAA Vault, a specialized Creative Artists Agency facility that employs scanning technology to capture actors' faces, voices, and movements for digital replicas, Wahlberg admitted he had not visited yet, though he expressed an openness to the concept.
He noted that if the industry moves in that direction, it would be fascinating for his children or grandchildren to manage his likeness and image rights, potentially placing him in quality films long after he is gone. Expanding on that concept, Wahlberg stated he would not oppose his upcoming animated series Ted continuing for decades through an AI-generated digital version of his likeness.
He concluded that if he is no longer able to perform or exist, and audiences still want to see the content, utilizing a digital continuation would be an intriguing path forward. In his view, people will have massive opportunities to consume whatever media they desire, and if a legitimate audience exists for such creations, viewers should be entitled to watch what they want.
