Actress Mara Wilson (Pearl, A Time To Heal), best known for her role in Matilda, has raised concerns about artificial intelligence and deepfake technology, particularly as it relates to young performers, according to Deadline. Wilson described fearing a “deepfake apocalypse,” pointing to her own experiences with manipulated images during her childhood acting career. Her comments reflect growing concern within the entertainment industry over the misuse of advanced AI tools to create unauthorized digital content involving minors.
Deadline reports that Wilson’s concerns stem from the online exploitation of her likeness during her time as child actor. In her op-ed for The Guardian, Wilson addressed the broader implications of the technology, writing, “Once I was an adult, I worried about the other kids who had followed after me. Were similar things happening to the Disney stars, the Strangers Things cast, the preteens making TikTok dances and smiling in family vlogger YouTube channels?”
A previous mxdwn article highlighted the rapid evolution of deepfake technology, noting that YouTuber who created a viral deepfake of Luke Skywalker in The Mandalorian was later hired by Lucasfilm. That development demonstrated how AI tools have moved from online experimentation into professional production environments, signaling broader commercial interest in their creative potential.
Wilson’s perspective offers a counterpoint to this momentum. While acknowledging the technical achievements of AI-generated content, she stressed that the misuse of the technology, especially involving minors, presents serious challenges tied to image ownership, personal boundaries, and ethical responsibility. According to Deadline, her remarks reflect a wider call for stronger safeguards and clearer standards surrounding digital replication.
The deepfake debate continues to highlight both opportunity and risk. As AI-generated imagery becomes more common across film and television, concerns surrounding regulation and accountability remain central. Wilson’s emphasis on protecting young actors underscores the need to develop industry guidelines that prioritize consent and transparency.
As studios, creators, and audiences adapt to rapid technological change, conversations like Wilson’s highlight the need to balance innovation and responsibility. As AI tools become increasingly embedded in entertainment workflows, discussions about ethical use are likely to remain a significant focus.