It’s always interesting to find out that someone predicted something that actually happens. For example The Simpsons have predicted so many things that it’s almost eerie. And besides psychics on the internet, it doesn’t actually happen that often. That’s why when Molly Shannon talked about how her SNL co-star and friend Will Ferrell predicted that actors would be replaced by robots, we kind of took notice.
And funnily enough, he was being completely serious about it. She said that during an early conversation in 1995 after they had both been picked up for SNL he mentioned it. Because both were enthusiastic about being cast and he had the dark realization that they could both probably be replaced by robots (AI) in the future.
“I don’t know. Who knows how long this is going to last?”
“I just think it’s not going to last long, and I think actors are eventually going to be replaced by robots, and they’re not going to need human actors anymore.”
Will Ferrell to Molly Shannon BTS at SNL
Shannon recalled that she said something to him along the lines of, “You’re being so dark.” Of course at the time it was almost unthinkable that that would be true. Ferrell responded by telling her that it was ok.
“He said, ‘I could have a job working as a dog groomer or as a UPS driver or as a coach and still be happy.’”
“But Will was right,” adding that the two “die laughing about it now.”
Shannon
Sure, actors could be replaced by robots. You can have AI do any of the action stunts that Tom Cruise does in films. But I still don’t think they could replicate the quippy humor found in shows like SNL. So for now, I’m pretty sure that comedians are safe. It’s when AI starts writing actually funny jokes we may run into a problem.
