Shocking Revelation: Disney Used Background Actors' Faces from WandaVision for Other Secret Projects

Highlights

Background actors from WandaVision were scanned by Disney to potentially use their likenesses in future projects, raising concerns about the use of AI to replace human actors.

In contract negotiations, the studios proposed that background performers could be scanned and their images owned by the company without consent or compensation. This suggests a potential future where physical actors may no longer be necessary, as the use of CGI and technology in creating computer-generated people in films and TV shows continues to rise. As a result, the unions are seeking to address this in their upcoming contracts.

A recent revelation by a background actor from WandaVision shed light on Disney's practice of scanning and using the likenesses of these actors for future projects.

The story shared by the WandaVision extra highlights a key issue that has fueled the ongoing actors' strike. Following unsuccessful negotiations between the studios and writers, the writers initiated the strike on May 2nd. Similarly, the actors commenced their strike on July 14th after failing to reach a satisfactory understanding with the studios. Among the major points of contention between the unions and the studios are demands for higher pay and improved streaming residuals. However, the use of AI to replace writers and actors has emerged as the most significant point of disagreement. Disney had already faced criticism for utilizing AI to produce the intro for Secret Invasion.

Alexandria Rubalcaba, an extra in the Disney Plus series WandaVision, revealed to NPR that she and other background actors underwent facial and body scans, potentially for future Disney projects. This intriguing process was also depicted in an episode of BoJack Horseman. Rubalcaba disclosed that after working on the project for four weeks, the background actors were summoned to a trailer where they faced a metal rig equipped with multiple cameras. They were then directed to perform various actions, such as holding their hands out, placing them in, turning in different directions, and showcasing expressions of fear and surprise.

The announcement by Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, the National Executive Director and Chief Negotiator of the Screen Actors Guild, revealed a concerning proposal made by the studios during contract negotiations. According to the proposal, background performers would be scanned and paid for one day's work, while their image and likeness would be owned by the studio indefinitely. This controversial measure essentially grants studios the ability to resurrect actors through CGI technology. Notably, this practice is not entirely new. Productions have been utilizing computer-generated people in scenes, particularly in situations requiring a large crowd, as demonstrated in the soccer games of the TV show Ted Lasso, which employed a mere 20 background actors.

If the casting agency already has an extensive database of background actors, there may no longer be a need for physical actors in the future. It is worth noting that several Hollywood celebrities, including Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, kick-started their careers as extras in movies like Field of Dreams. This could potentially create a ripple effect, where supporting actors are replaced by digitally scanned versions, leading to the eventual replacement of lead actors as well. In order to address this concern, the Unions aim to include regulations in their upcoming contracts to mitigate such scenarios.

Catch WandaVision exclusively on Disney Plus.

Source: NPR