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Matthew McConaughey Urges Actors to 'Own Yourself' as AI Encroaches on Hollywood

He has paired the warning with trademark protections plus a voice deal with ElevenLabs to keep control of his likeness.

Overview

  • Speaking at a CNN and Variety town hall at the University of Texas at Austin, McConaughey told students AI is already reshaping film and that moral objections alone will not stop it.
  • He advised performers to secure legal rights over their voice and image, urging them to trademark their identity so any AI use requires permission and payment.
  • McConaughey predicted AI will "infiltrate" the Academy Awards within a few years and suggested the Oscars may eventually add categories for AI-created work.
  • He has recently obtained eight trademarks tied to his voice and likeness and has an investment and licensing deal with ElevenLabs, which is generating a Spanish-language version of his newsletter using his synthetic voice.
  • Timothée Chalamet said younger creators will largely determine how to integrate AI ethically, calling on established figures to help safeguard opportunities for human performers.