In a recent interview, Scarlett Johansson says Sam Altman would make a good Marvel villain. Scarlett Johansson has publicly criticized OpenAI and deepfake technology, describing the situation as “disturbing” and expressing her anger after her voice was seemingly mimicked by OpenAI’s ChatGPT system, Sky. Earlier this year, Johansson made headlines with a public statement about the issue. According to her, OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, contacted her in September 2023, requesting her to provide the voice for Sky. This was intended as a tribute to her role in Spike Jonze’s film, “Her.” Johansson declined the offer for personal reasons. In May, when Sky was released, Altman tweeted a cryptic message: “her.”
Following Johansson’s statement, her legal team contacted OpenAI, demanding the removal of Sky’s voice. OpenAI complied, asserting that Sky’s voice was not an imitation of Johansson but was provided by a different professional actress using her natural voice. Altman later clarified that the actress voicing Sky was hired before he approached Johansson, intending for her to be an additional, sixth voice. He apologized to Johansson and paused the use of Sky out of respect for her wishes.
Deepfake Technology Concerns
With regards to his role in the OpenAI deepfake incident, Scarlett Johansson says Sam Altman would make a good Marvel villain. When asked if Altman could be a good Marvel villain, Johansson humorously suggested he might, “maybe with a robotic arm.” Johansson emphasized the importance of maintaining privacy, especially for her children. Describing deepfake technology as a “dark wormhole,” she warned about the dangers of such technology. Johansson noted that deepfake content, such as revenge porn, could ruin lives.
Johansson expressed concern about the rapid advancement of technology, stating that it outpaces the human ability to process its effects. She pointed out the significant impact on young people, comparing the technology’s arrival to a “thousand-foot wave.”
Johansson’s public dispute with OpenAI follows her 2021 legal battle with Disney over the release of her Marvel movie, “Black Widow.” The film was released in theaters and on Disney+ during the pandemic. Johansson argued that her contract stipulated an exclusive theatrical release and that Disney’s hybrid release would affect her compensation, which was tied to box office performance.
Disney initially responded combatively, revealing Johansson’s $20 million upfront fee. Johansson called this response “misogynistic.” The dispute was eventually settled, with reports suggesting Disney paid Johansson over $40 million.
Reflecting on the Disney dispute, Johansson described it as unprofessional and disappointing, attributing the issue to poor judgment and leadership at the time. Despite her disappointment, she does not hold a grudge against Disney.
Scarlett Johansson Criticizes OpenAI and Deepfake Technology
Addressing the AI controversy, Scarlett Johansson says Sam Altman would make a good Marvel villain with a robotic arm. Scarlett Johansson has voiced strong criticism against OpenAI and the use of deepfake technology. She described her reaction as “disturbing” and admitted she was “angry” after OpenAI appeared to mimic her voice for its ChatGPT system, Sky. Johansson revealed that OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, approached her in September 2023, asking her to lend her voice to Sky, a nod to her role in the film “Her.” She declined for personal reasons.
In May, after Sky was released, Altman tweeted the word “her,” prompting Johansson to issue a public statement and take legal action. Her lawyers demanded the removal of Sky’s voice, which OpenAI did, stating that the voice was not Johansson’s but from another actress.
In an interview with the New York Times, Johansson explained that she had stayed away from AI discussions, which made the situation more upsetting. She stressed that being part of AI goes against her values, especially concerning her privacy and her children’s well-being. Johansson warned about the dangers of deepfake technology, calling it a “dark wormhole” that is hard to control.
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