Matthew McConaughey tells young actors the AI wave is inescapable, so they should protect their likeness (www.businessinsider.com)

During a recent televised town hall event, Matthew McConaughey and Timothée Chalamet addressed the growing influence of AI in the entertainment industry, particularly the need for actors to protect their likenesses. McConaughey emphasized that with AI's potential to create lifelike representations of actors, it's crucial for emerging talent to establish legal protections over their images and voices. He remarked, "It's not going to be enough to sit on the sidelines... There's too much money to be made," urging young actors to trademark their identity to retain control and ensure fair compensation in a future where AI-generated performances could become commonplace. McConaughey has taken proactive steps to secure his own likeness, having received eight trademark approvals, including for his famous catchphrase "alright, alright, alright." This strategy not only safeguards his brand but also serves as a model for others in the industry, equipping them with legal tools to combat unauthorized use of their identities in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. His investment in Eleven Labs, an AI voice generation platform, further illustrates his commitment to navigating these developments responsibly, including leveraging the technology for innovative projects like a Spanish-language newsletter. As AI continues to reshape the entertainment field, McConaughey's insights highlight the urgent need for strategic action from actors to maintain their agency and rights.