In the age of artificial intelligence and deepfakes, where technology can replicate nearly anything, one question echoes louder in Hollywood than ever before: Can AI replace stars like Tom Cruise?
It’s a fair doubt. AI-generated avatars are already playing roles in commercials, film trailers, or even full-length films. And with the lightning-rapid evolution of technology, we’re now seeing eerily realistic recreations of iconic faces like Tom Cruise. A few years ago, a deepfake of the actor went viral on TikTok, garnering millions of views and sparking a heated conversation about what the future of performing would look like.
But here’s the factor: While AI might be capable of mimicking the look and voice of Tom Cruise, can it, in reality, seize what makes him… properly, Tom Cruise?
Let’s dive into what makes Cruise such a mythical figure—and whether or not AI ought to ever certainly replace the magic he brings to the big screen.
The Human Element of Tom Cruise
From Top Gun and Rain Man to the adrenaline-pumping Mission: Impossible franchise, Tom Cruise isn’t just recognized for his daring stunts and megawatt smile. His raw intensity, dedication to his roles, and undeniable presence are what virtually unite him.
Cruise famously performs a lot of his stunts—clinging to planes mid-flight, leaping among skyscrapers, and driving bikes off cliffs. These aren’t simply PR stunts but testaments to his willpower and authenticity. You feel it when you watch him. His worry, his willpower, his pressure—they’re all real. And that realness is what keeps audiences coming back.
AI can generate a pixel-ideal version of his face and mirror his voice with many audio clips. But can AI seize that excessive glint in his eyes throughout an emotional scene? Can it replicate the subtleties of a physical overall performance that’s years in the making?