As Hollywood continues to debate the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking, actor and director Mark Wahlberg believes the technology can benefit the industry when used responsibly.
Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt, Wahlberg, an entrepreneur and angel investor, shared his views on how AI could support film production. He also expressed openness to the idea of using AI to preserve his likeness for future generations.
Wahlberg revealed that AI could play a role in the upcoming Pete Rose biopic, in which he is set to portray the late baseball star. Given the film’s production costs, he said the technology could help enhance certain visual elements, including the stadium setting.
“It’s a fairly expensive movie, but we’re talking about utilizing [AI] to enhance the stadium setting, things of that nature,” Wahlberg said.
However, he drew a distinction between using AI as a creative tool and allowing it to replace human talent. He argued that filmmakers should not rely on AI-generated scripts as a substitute for real actors but should instead use the technology to strengthen their productions.
Wahlberg also emphasized that compelling storytelling remains more important to him than technological spectacle.
Reflecting on his experience with effects-driven films, he referenced Jurassic Park and The Perfect Storm as examples of productions that pushed the boundaries of computer-generated imagery. While acknowledging the significance of such technological advances, he said he is now more interested in authentic storytelling than special effects alone.
“I’ve done big, effects-driven movies,” Wahlberg said. “Those are cutting-edge moments in technology with computer-generated images. Now, I think it’s hard to do that, so I’m not so passionate about effects-driven movies per se, as opposed to real storytelling.”
During the discussion, TechCrunch Editor-in-Chief Connie Loizos also asked whether Wahlberg had visited the CAA Vault, a Creative Artists Agency facility that uses scanning technology to capture performers’ faces, bodies, movements and voices to create digital replicas.
Image Credits:Kimberly White/Getty Images for TechCrunch
Although he had not visited the facility, Wahlberg said he would be open to the possibility of creating an AI version of himself. He suggested that such technology could eventually allow his children or grandchildren to manage his digital likeness and potentially extend his presence on screen long after his acting career ends.
“I would be interested because I think in the future, if that’s where things go, it would be cool that my children or my grandchildren could be in charge of my likeness and my image, and hopefully put me in some good movies,” he said.
Wahlberg also expressed support for the possibility of his upcoming animated series, Ted, continuing for decades with an AI-generated version of his likeness, even if he were no longer alive or able to participate.
He argued that audiences could benefit from continued access to the characters and entertainment they enjoy, provided there is genuine demand for the content.
“I think it’s cool if I’m no longer able to do it or don’t exist, and if it could continue and people want to see it, I think it’d be interesting to see where things go,” Wahlberg said.
His comments highlight a growing conversation within the entertainment industry about the opportunities AI presents for filmmaking, digital preservation and audience engagement. While concerns remain over the technology’s impact on actors and creative professionals, Wahlberg’s position is that AI can be a useful addition to the industry without replacing the human creativity that makes stories resonate.
