Scarlett Johansson, known for her roles in various films, recently spoke out against OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in an interview with The New York Times. She suggested that Altman would make a good Marvel villain, possibly with a robotic arm. Their public feud began when OpenAI allegedly used an imitation of Johansson’s voice as an AI virtual assistant in the movie “Her”. While OpenAI eventually agreed to withdraw the voice option resembling Johansson’s, the actress was shocked and angered by the situation. She felt that using her voice went against her core values and chose to turn down the company’s offer initially.
Johansson expressed her concerns about AI-generated deepfakes, calling them a “dark wormhole” that one can never climb out of. She emphasized the potential dangers of such technology, especially in terms of invasion of privacy and reputation damage. While she initially declined OpenAI’s offer to be a voice for their ChatGPT system, the company proceeded with the plan without her consent, prompting her to involve her lawyers in the matter. Despite these conflicts, Johansson’s opinions about Disney appear to be more positive than her feelings towards OpenAI.
Legal Dispute with Disney
Before the incident with OpenAI, Scarlett Johansson was involved in a legal dispute with Disney regarding the release of her Marvel film “Black Widow”. Originally scheduled for exclusive theatrical release, Disney decided to debut the movie in theaters and on their streaming platform, Disney+ Premier Access, during the COVID-19 pandemic. This decision led to a lawsuit from Johansson, who claimed that the streaming release would cost her significant backend compensation.
During the legal battle, Disney accused Johansson of not considering the global effects of the pandemic and disclosed her $20 million salary. However, the actress maintained that the streaming strategy would result in financial losses for her. Despite the disagreement with Disney, Johansson stated that she does not hold a grudge against the company. She described the situation as unprofessional and disappointing, particularly due to the breach of their contract.
Current Projects
Currently, Scarlett Johansson is starring in the romantic comedy “Fly Me to the Moon”, which is being shown in theaters. Despite the recent controversies surrounding her disputes with OpenAI and Disney, she continues to pursue her acting career and engage in various projects within the entertainment industry. Johansson’s outspokenness about issues related to technology, privacy, and professional relationships showcases her commitment to addressing important societal concerns. As she navigates through the complexities of the film industry and technological advancements, Johansson remains a prominent figure in Hollywood.
Scarlett Johansson’s vocal opposition to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Disney reflects her advocacy for ethical treatment, respect for intellectual property, and fair compensation in the entertainment sector. Her willingness to confront powerful entities and stand up for her beliefs demonstrates her courage and determination in the face of adversity. As she continues to contribute to the film industry through her performances and advocacy efforts, Johansson’s influence extends beyond the screen, shaping public conversations about technology, creativity, and ethics.
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