AceShowbiz - Robert Downey Jr. has issued a warning to Hollywood: he intends to sue any future executives who approve the use of AI-enhanced replicas of his likeness. The warning came during an interview on the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast, where Downey discussed the potential implications of AI technology on the entertainment industry.

Downey specifically expressed concern about the possibility of Marvel using AI to recreate his iconic role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. However, he is confident that the current Marvel executives would not take such action without his consent.

"I'm not worried about them hijacking my character's soul because there's like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway and they would never do that to me, with or without me," Downey said.

However, Downey acknowledged that future executives may have different intentions. "You're right. I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec," he declared.

Beyond the specific case of his likeness being used in deepfakes, Downey expressed broader concerns about the role of giant corporations in shaping the advent of AI technology. He criticized figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for claiming a sense of ownership over this new era.

"The idea that somehow it belongs to them because they have these super huge start-ups is a fallacy," Downey said. "The problem is when these individuals believe that they are the arbiters of managing this."

Despite his concerns about AI, Downey is not opposed to the technology itself. He is currently appearing on Broadway in the play "McNeal", which explores the ethical challenges posed by AI.

Downey is set to return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming film "Avengers: Doomsday", but he will not be playing Tony Stark/Iron Man. Instead, he will take on the role of the villainous Doctor Doom.