How AI is Being Used to De-Age Actors in Hollywood

Will Smith de-aged using AI technology in Hollywood.

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the film industry, particularly in the realm of visual effects. One of the most groundbreaking applications of AI in Hollywood is the de-aging of actors. This technology allows filmmakers to make actors appear younger on screen without the need for heavy makeup or prosthetics, offering a more natural and seamless look.

Chris Evans as a younger version of Captain America in "Captain America: The First Avenger."

The process typically involves using machine learning algorithms that analyze an actor's facial features from past footage or images. These algorithms then generate a younger version of the actor by mapping their current facial structure onto a younger model. This technique has been used in several high-profile films, including Marvel's "Captain America" series, where Chris Evans was de-aged to portray a younger version of his character.

Robert De Niro de-aged in Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman."

Another notable example is Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman," where Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci were all de-aged to play their characters across different time periods. The film used a combination of CGI and AI-driven techniques to achieve this effect, allowing the actors to portray younger versions of themselves without losing their natural expressions.

Some of the key technologies driving this innovation include:

• Deepfake Technology: Deepfake algorithms are trained on vast datasets of images and videos to create hyper-realistic digital replicas of actors at different ages. Below is an example of how deepfake technology works:


Diagram showing how deepfake technology processes facial data.

• Facial Capture Systems: High-resolution cameras and motion capture systems record every nuance of an actor's performance, which is then processed by AI to recreate younger versions of their faces.


Facial capture system used in de-aging technology.

• AI-Powered Rendering Engines: Advanced rendering engines like those developed by companies such as Weta Digital and Industrial Light & Magic use AI to enhance the realism of de-aged characters.


Weta Digital's AI-powered rendering engine used in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

While this technology offers immense creative possibilities, it also raises ethical concerns. Questions about consent, the potential misuse of deepfake technology, and the impact on actors' careers have sparked debates within the industry. Despite these challenges, AI-driven de-aging continues to push the boundaries of storytelling in Hollywood.

Ethical concerns surrounding the use of AI in de-aging actors.