Hollywood veteran Sylvester Stallone is speaking out in defense of artificial intelligence in cinema, revealing that he remains willing to embrace the technology even after facing strong opposition from within the creative community. The actor addressed the subject during an appearance on "The Overlap" podcast, explaining his perspective on where the entertainment industry is inevitably heading.
Stallone stated that he previously attempted to develop a film project combining live-action elements with digital synthesis. While the concept triggered significant pushback among his peers, the action icon argued that resistance will ultimately prove futile against the rapid advance of new digital tools.
Pushing for a 'Half Human, Half AI' Production
Reflecting on the reaction to his concept, Stallone noted that his goal was to merge physical performance with artificial intelligence. However, the proposal met immediate resistance from industry figures who were uncomfortable with the shift toward synthetic tools.
"I get in trouble for this [but] AI is here to stay," Stallone said on the podcast. "I wanted to do half-human, half-AI and put it together, and of course everyone’s going nuts. I go, 'That’s happening, guys. People are selling their images. There’s going to be 20 Elvis avatars … This is happening.'"
While Stallone acknowledged that objections from actors, writers, and technicians are completely understandable, he insisted that the momentum behind the technology cannot simply be halted. He characterized the wave of technological disruption as an unstoppable force that artists must learn to navigate.
"I would take that risk, even though you get blasted bombastically from the creative community. And their [complaints are] right! They’re right. But we can’t stop this. It’s an avalanche. It’s just out of our control. If you don’t go with it, you will be trampled by it," he added.
The Unmade AI Rambo Prequel
Although Stallone refrained from directly naming the hybrid production on "The Overlap," his comments align with an earlier attempt to revisit his iconic action franchise. The actor had previously pitched a concept that would use advanced visual effects and AI de-aging technology to portray an 18-year-old John Rambo during the Vietnam War era.
Speaking on the "Bingeworthy" podcast a year earlier, Stallone recalled how the industry viewed the pitch at the time. "Everyone thought I was crazy," he explained. "AI is sophisticated enough to go through Saigon to see him at 18 years old and basically use the same image. So it isn’t as big a stretch."
That specific digital concept did not move forward. Instead, a separate "John Rambo" origin film is currently underway without Stallone's involvement, casting Noah Centineo in the lead role.
Concerns for Emerging Performers in Hollywood
Despite his readiness to explore the technology, Stallone was candid about the significant hurdles AI poses for the next generation of talent. He expressed deep concern for newcomers trying to establish careers in an increasingly digitized marketplace, even sharing advice he gave to his daughter, actress Scarlet Rose Stallone.
"You’ve just chosen the most difficult profession in the world. And it’s going to get more difficult because of AI," Stallone said he tells young performers. "I know my daughter is an actress. I said, 'Please get into gaming. Do something [else].'"
As the industry continues to debate the ethical and creative boundaries of digital likenesses and automated media, Stallone's remarks highlight the ongoing tension between traditional performers protecting their craft and creators looking to test technological limits.
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Source: Variety
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