Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg is open to AI recreating his likeness so his on-screen career can continue even after he is no longer around. However, he believes AI should support filmmaking rather than replace the people who create stories.
Speaking at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 in San Francisco, Wahlberg shared his views on AI in the entertainment industry. The actor said he would consider allowing an AI version of himself to appear in future films, provided his children and grandchildren could control how his image is used.
Mark Wahlberg Wants AI to Support Filmmakers
Wahlberg believes artificial intelligence can help filmmakers improve productions, particularly when working with expensive visual effects and large-scale settings. He pointed to his upcoming Pete Rose biopic, in which he plays the former baseball star, as a possible example of how the technology could be used. The production is exploring AI to enhance elements such as the stadium environment and other visual details.
According to Wahlberg, using AI to improve existing creative work is different from relying on it to generate an entire film. He does not support simply entering an idea into ChatGPT, generating a script, and producing a movie without real actors. For him, AI should help filmmakers achieve their creative goals rather than replace human talent.
Why Storytelling Still Matters More than Visual Effects
Despite his openness to new technology, Wahlberg said he remains more interested in strong storytelling than films built primarily around visual effects. He recalled the impact of movies such as Jurassic Park and The Perfect Storm, which demonstrated how computer-generated imagery could transform what audiences saw on screen.
However, he believes technical advances alone are not enough to make a film memorable. Characters, performances and compelling stories remain central to the experience. His comments reflect a wider debate in Hollywood, where filmmakers are exploring AI tools while considering their potential effects on actors, writers and other creative professionals.
“I’ve done big, effects-driven movies,” Wahlberg said. “I think I was in that kind of sweet spot when the first Jurassic Park was made, or when Perfect Storm came out, and you had that wave, the 100-foot wave that was in the trailer. Those are cutting-edge moments in technology with computer-generated images. Now, I think it’s hard to do that, so I’m not so passionate about effects-driven movies per se, as opposed to real storytelling.”
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Wahlberg is Open to an AI Version of Himself
Wahlberg has not visited the Creative Artists Agency's Vault, a facility that uses scanning technology to capture an actor's appearance, movements, and voice to create digital replicas. However, he said he would be interested in exploring the technology.
He suggested that giving his children and grandchildren control over his digital likeness could allow them to decide how it is used in future productions.
Wahlberg also said he's open to his upcoming animated series, Ted, continuing with an AI version of his likeness if audiences remain interested. He believes future technology could let entertainment franchises continue long after their original creators or performers leave the scene.