The upcoming film "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum" will be significant not only for fans of Tolkien's universe but also for the entire film industry. Director and lead actor Andy Serkis has officially confirmed that the film will utilize machine learning technologies for digital de-aging of actors.
It is important to emphasize: this is not a total replacement of live acting with CGI. Serkis made it clear that the film will retain traditional filming methods. In this case, artificial intelligence serves merely as a tool for post-production, not as the primary content generator. In my view, this approach is the most rational amid the growing debate about the role of AI in art.
More than 25 years have passed since the release of "The Fellowship of the Ring." Some key actors, such as Elijah Wood (Frodo) and Ian McKellen (Gandalf), will return to their roles, but their age has naturally changed. Serkis did not reveal exactly who will be "de-aged," but logic suggests it will apply to characters whose age in the story has not changed.
From my professional perspective, using AI for de-aging is an evolutionary step, not a revolution. Unlike fully synthesized scenes that can look unnatural, the controlled application of machine learning for facial correction allows preserving the expressions and emotions of a live actor. This reduces the risks of the "uncanny valley" and makes the image more organic.
Expert opinion: The entertainment industry is gradually finding a balance. AI will not replace a director or an actor but will become a powerful assistant. The success of "The Hunt for Gollum" will show how ready audiences are to accept such a hybrid approach. If the project proves successful, we will see an explosive growth of similar technologies in major franchises, which will inevitably impact the job market in the VFX industry.