Director Robert Zemeckis’s latest film, Here, is making waves not just for its unique story but for its groundbreaking use of artificial intelligence. This film, starring Tom Hanks and Robin Wright, uses advanced AI technology developed by Metaphysic to digitally de-age its actors, allowing them to seamlessly portray their characters across different ages over decades. This innovative approach goes beyond traditional CGI, as the technology enables real-time de-aging directly on set, so actors can see their transformed selves in real-time while they perform, which is a first in Hollywood.
The story of Here, based on Richard McGuire’s graphic novel, is set in a single room and spans across multiple time periods, capturing different lives and events in the same space. By using AI-powered de-aging, Zemeckis and his team aim to maintain a continuous visual flow across the film’s timeline without heavy post-production work. This technological leap, as reported by Ars Technica and other sources, adds a fresh layer of realism and has sparked discussions about the future of AI in filmmaking.
With AI’s expanding role in film, ethical concerns have been raised regarding actors’ control over their digital likenesses. This issue was prominent in recent SAG-AFTRA negotiations, where actors demanded safeguards against unauthorized digital reproductions of their images. Zemeckis’s approach in Here, however, demonstrates AI’s potential to enhance storytelling while keeping actors actively involved in the creative process.
Here was released theatrically in early November 2024 and to the public on 8th November 2024.
Although a streaming date hasn’t been confirmed yet, it’s expected to arrive on OTT platforms after its theatrical run, likely in early 2025.
Here used Metaphysic’s Metaphysic Live AI technology, which allows for real-time, high-quality facial transformations on set.
The film stars Tom Hanks, Robin Wright, Paul Bettany, and Kelly Reilly, with Hanks and Wright reuniting for this unique story spanning multiple generations.