In recent discussions surrounding Robert Zemeckis’ film "Here," it’s clear that the movie hasn’t won over many fans. While Zemeckis opted against producing a typical Christmas flick—unlike his notorious "The Polar Express" which has long faced scrutiny—"Here" still leaves audiences scratching their heads due to its peculiar visual style. Perhaps most controversial is the decision to use generative AI to overlay the current faces of Tom Hanks and Robin Wright with their younger selves, a move that many critics, including Lisa Kudrow, find unsettling.

On Dax Shepard’s popular podcast, "Armchair Expert," Kudrow voiced her strong disapproval of the film and its reliance on AI technology. She remarked, "They shot it, and they could actually see themselves as younger during playback," suggesting that such a process feels like an unsettling endorsement of AI in the film industry. Her comments struck a chord considering that her union had recently gone on strike over similar concerns regarding AI taking over jobs in the industry. "This kind of technology raises the question: what will be left for human actors?" she lamented.

Kudrow’s worries extend beyond her own career prospects; she's increasingly concerned about aspiring actors facing a Hollywood landscape where studios might prefer to license the images and likenesses of established stars instead of hiring new talent. "Forget actors. What about up-and-coming actors?" she questioned. "If everything can be recycled and reused, what work will there be for human beings? How can we ensure that actors still have viable careers?"

The implications of these advancements in AI technology could be far-reaching—many young performers could find themselves in stiff competition with the digitally recreated versions of legendary actors. As the industry grapples with the potential fallout from AI and automation, Kudrow’s insights serve as a cautionary tale about the future of entertainment.

While the general audience may not have seen "Here," the concerns raised by Kudrow reflect broader anxieties in a society increasingly reliant on technology—an issue that’s likely to worsen if Hollywood continues its current trajectory. In a world where the public is largely unaware of "Here" and its implications, the question remains: are we ready to face a future where our cherished stars can be reduced to mere digital assets?