One of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA’s biggest talking points for their strikes is the increasing use of unregulated AI technologies in films. Using an AI-built likeness of a performer means they could be used in future productions without consent or pay. Which could be what’s happening with a worrying quietness in Malta, where the sequel to “Gladiator” is being filmed.
Maltese extras were reportedly pulled aside to have their likenesses scanned by the production. So quickly and without warning, they felt they had little choice.
In between filming takes, extras were pulled aside, put through make-up, and then taken to a camera-filled booth to have their images scanned. “It didn’t really feel like we could say no,” an extra on the film said. Months down the line, there has been slowly growing concern that these extras will be out of work. Before you argue that it’s probably in their contracts, it isn’t. More to the point, the studio seemed intentionally mum on the why.
If It Was Allowed, Why Say Nothing?
“They didn’t explain why they were doing this, we thought they were taking us to do another scene,” an anonymous extra claims. Though there are a few differing accounts. Some reported they were asked. And those that did volunteered. But overall there’s just something not quite right with it all. The production crew seemed to placate the extras, stating that they were using their images to “fill out the crowds in the Colosseum.” But that’s already a technique that’s been used in movies for years called “crowd tilting.” One that’s so old, there was never any need to 3-D scan the extras.
Overall, there’s growing concern from un-unionized extras that this will become a normalized practice. Forced to give up their likeness to studios who want to cut costs, while simultaneously ruining their careers. There needs to be a significant crack down on the apparently blasé theft of the images of others to feed AI programs.
There are no concrete details as to the plot of the film. We do know Ridley Scott is returning to direct, from a script by David Scarpa. Paul Mescal will play Lucius Verus as an adult. Connie Nielson, who played Lucius’ mother Lucilla, will also be returning. Other new cast members include Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, and Joseph Quinn.
“Gladiator 2” is set to release November 22nd, 2024.
