Matthew McConaughey tells young actors the AI wave is inescapable, so they should protect their likeness

In a bold statement about the future of acting, Matthew McConaughey warned emerging talents that they must adapt to the inevitable rise of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. Speaking at a CNN and Variety Town Hall event at the University of Texas at Austin, McConaughey expressed concern that simply opposing this technological shift would not suffice. "It's not enough — it may be for you — but it's not going to be enough to sit on the sidelines and make the moral plea that 'no, this is wrong!'" he stated during a conversation with actor Timothée Chalamet. McConaughey emphasized that the financial incentives and efficiency brought by AI make it a force that cannot be ignored. He encouraged students to take proactive measures to protect their personal brand, suggesting they pursue legal avenues to secure their likeness and voice. "I say, own yourself, voice, likeness, etc. Trademark it!" he advised. This approach, he believes, will empower individuals to maintain control over their identities in a rapidly changing industry. McConaughey himself is ahead of the curve, having recently secured several trademark approvals, including his famous catchphrase from "Dazed and Confused," "alright, alright, alright!" He explained, "My team and I want to know that when my voice or likeness is ever used, it's because I approved and signed off on it." The actor's legal representative noted that the current environment demands a strategy to combat potential misuse of AI technology. McConaughey's engagement with AI extends beyond advocacy; he is also an investor in Eleven Labs, a platform specializing in AI-driven voice generation. Recently, the company revealed that McConaughey is utilizing its technology to produce a Spanish-language edition of his newsletter.