Indiana Jones actor Harrison Ford has expressed his satisfaction with Troy Baker’s portrayal of the iconic character in the video game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal Magazine, Ford commended Baker’s performance, stating that “you don’t need artificial intelligence to steal my soul.” He emphasized that good ideas and talent are sufficient to capture the essence of a character, making AI unnecessary for such tasks. This praise comes as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was released in December 2023, marking an ‘authentic’ but non-canonical entry in the long-running series. The game received positive reviews, unlike the recent film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, which was not well-received by audiences.
Ford’s comments align with a growing sentiment among creatives who are critical of AI use in media. Directors like Tim Burton have described AI-generated art as “very disturbing,” while actors such as Nicolas Cage have labeled it a “dead end.” Voice actors, including Ned Luke from Grand Theft Auto 5 and Doug Cockle from The Witcher, have also voiced concerns about the impact of AI on their livelihoods. Luke criticized a chatbot that used his voice without permission, while Cockle described AI as “inevitable” but “dangerous,” noting that it effectively robs voice actors of income.
The debate over AI in media continues to evolve, with many industry professionals expressing concerns about job security and the ethical implications of using AI-generated content. As the use of AI becomes more prevalent, discussions around its impact on creative industries are likely to intensify. Ryan Dinsdale, an IGN freelance reporter, has been actively covering these developments, particularly focusing on how they affect beloved franchises like The Witcher.
The release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle highlights a potential shift in the franchise’s direction, with video games offering a new avenue for storytelling that resonates with fans. As Ford’s praise for Baker indicates, there is significant potential for high-quality performances in video games, which could influence future decisions about the franchise’s development.