'Amazing' AI de-ages actor Tom Hanks in new film Here
The Straits Times|October 30, 2024
LOS ANGELES - American actor Tom Hanks has praised the "amazing" use of artificial intelligence (AI) to de-age him "in real time" on the set of new movie Here, even as he accepted that the technology is causing huge concern in Hollywood.
'Amazing' AI de-ages actor Tom Hanks in new film Here

Here, out in American cinemas on Nov 1, stars Hanks and American actress Robin Wright as a couple striving to keep their family together through births, marriages, divorces and deaths, across multiple decades and even generations.

The movie, directed by American filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, marks the first on-screen appearance for Hanks, 68, and Wright, 58, since the Oscar-winning film Forrest Gump (1994) - also directed by Zemeckis.

Hanks portrays his character in Here from an idealistic teen, through various stages of youth and middle age, to a frail, elderly man.

But rather than just relying on make-up, filmmakers teamed up with AI studio Metaphysic on a tool called Metaphysic Live, to rejuvenate and "age up" the actors.

The technology worked so fast that Hanks was able to immediately watch his "deep-faked" performance after each scene.

This story is from the October 30, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 30, 2024 edition of The Straits Times.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE STRAITS TIMESView All
Japan's True Blue Tradition
The Straits Times

Japan's True Blue Tradition

Call it an antidote to fast fashion. Japanese jeans hand-dyed with natural indigo and weaved on a clackety vintage loom, then sold at a premium to global denim connoisseurs.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 05, 2025
The Straits Times

6 easy dishes to pack for lunch

Nutritionists and food content creators suggest these healthy and convenient recipes

time-read
7 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Don't cross Culinary Class Wars star Anh Sung-jae of three-Michelin-starred Mosu
The Straits Times

Don't cross Culinary Class Wars star Anh Sung-jae of three-Michelin-starred Mosu

On an early episode of Netflix's hit reality cooking show Culinary Class Wars (2024), chef Anh Sung-jae stood in a warehouse filled with makeshift cooking stations and considered the plate in front of him: a rainbow palette of handmade pastas, purees and delicately cooked seafood. On top was a smattering of flower petals.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Emerald Hill to make Netflix debut
The Straits Times

Emerald Hill to make Netflix debut

Emerald Hill looks set to be the must-watch local blockbuster series of 2025.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Refreshed museums in SG60 arts
The Straits Times

Refreshed museums in SG60 arts

A timely slate of refreshed spaces and new programmes at Singapore's arts and cultural institutions will be launched in 2025, wooing audiences with a different Singapore story as the nation gears up to mark 60 years of independence.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Going casual to woo fickle diners
The Straits Times

Going casual to woo fickle diners

Serious artwork on the wall. Bespoke crockery on cloth-covered tables. A fine wine list. Eye-watering menu prices. Just don't call it a fine-dining restaurant.

time-read
2 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Smartwatches Make Healthcare Smarter
The Straits Times

Smartwatches Make Healthcare Smarter

From tracking heart rate to steps taken to sleep quality, smartwatches and fitness trackers can generate biometric data about the people using them.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Quality, not quantity, rules the superhero game
The Straits Times

Quality, not quantity, rules the superhero game

In 2025, the big studios are rolling up their sleeves to tackle a disease plaguing the box office – superhero fatigue.

time-read
3 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Big-name musicals to hit the stage
The Straits Times

Big-name musicals to hit the stage

Soothing melodies and soaring high notes are set to fill the air, as the coming year brings along a host of musicals to the Lion City.

time-read
4 mins  |
January 05, 2025
Celebrating design with SG60, new hotels and theme parks
The Straits Times

Celebrating design with SG60, new hotels and theme parks

Architecture and urban design take centre stage in 2025, with marquee events such as a year-long celebration of Singapore's 60th year of independence (SG60) and launches of Sentosa attractions to enhance the destination's \"islander allure\".

time-read
3 mins  |
January 05, 2025