Mark Wahlberg Open to AI Clones, Stresses Consent and Control

In October 2026, actor Mark Wahlberg told TechCrunch that AI is set to become deeply embedded in the film industry. He said he is not opposed to an AI clone carrying on his legacy after he is gone, but stressed that AI use must be authorized, controllable, and serve creativity rather than replace it.

Wahlberg described his approach as “the right way”: AI should only be used with explicit permission, within clear boundaries, and as a tool that supports creative work. He added that he would willingly hand over a digital double to the right team, as long as he remains in control of the process.

His stance contrasts with that of Nicolas Cage, who said at New York Comic Con on October 10 that he refused to sign an AI authorization waiver for his role in a series, rejecting the use of AI in his performance. Wahlberg, however, views AI as an unavoidable trend and believes actors should take an active role in shaping its use.

Examples of AI adoption in film have been mounting. Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said in October that generative AI workflows have been used in roughly 300 Netflix productions, from concept design to post-production. In China, the first AI-generated feature film “The Future of Sanxingdui” premiered in theaters on October 23, and actor Chen Yilong has licensed his facial image to create an AI digital stand-in.

Wahlberg’s position centers on authorization and control. As AI becomes capable of replicating appearance, voice, and performance style, actors’ work is increasingly becoming a matter of managing digital assets. By choosing to engage with the technology on his own terms, he is asserting agency over how AI is used in his career.