Key Takeaways:
– Scarlett Johansson has confronted OpenAI over the use of a voice resembling hers in their new update.
– Colin Jost, the actress’s husband, created a playful jab over the controversy in a recent SNL episode.
– Johansson is slated to star in the upcoming Jurassic World film, with the potential involvement of Chris Pratt yet undecided.
Scarlett Johansson Taking Action Against OpenAI
Esteemed actress Scarlett Johansson, known for her exceptional versatility in the film industry, finds herself thrust into the spotlight of controversy again. This instance involves OpenAI’s newly-unveiled voice mode, christened ‘Sky.’ Fans noted Sky’s striking resemblance to Scarlett’s voice, especially highlighting its similarity to the actress’s voice in the 2013 romantic film, ‘Her.’
Feeling ‘shocked, angered, and in disbelief,’ Johansson revealed that she had initially declined an offer from OpenAI to use her voice. With the introduction of ‘Sky’, she’s ready to take up arms, having sent a legal notice to OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The move prompted the company to remove the contentious voice, although this move hasn’t confirmed the resolution of the dispute.
Husband Jests on SNL
Adding a dash of humor to the hot topic, Johansson’s husband, Colin Jost, seized the opportunity to poke fun at the situation on the NBC show ‘Saturday Night Live’ (SNL). In an unconventional twist, during the ‘Weekend Update’ section, Jost and fellow host Michael Che exchanged jokes, leading to Jost’s entertaining jibe about the voice assistant, Sky.
“I’ve never bothered to watch [Her] because without that body, what’s the point of listening?” he quipped, causing roars of laughter from the audience. Despite the humor, the controversy remains, with OpenAI maintaining that they engaged another professional actress for Sky’s voice, not Johansson’s.
The Future with Jurassic World
In other news, the Black Widow star is lined up to feature in the coming Jurassic World film. While previous reports indicated that the previous cast wouldn’t make a return, Chris Pratt, lead of the modern trilogy, hinted his potential involvement in the franchise’s next installment.
Asked about his possible partnership with Johansson in the upcoming film, Pratt conveyed his readiness for a comeback, stating: “Maybe I return. Maybe I don’t. You’ll just have to tune in to find out.” He also expressed excitement about Johansson’s casting and the prospects of the new film.
The Jurassic World’s untitled sequel, set to premier on July 2, 2025, sees Gareth Edwards at the directorial helm. Cast members include Jonathan Bailey and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo. Filming is set to commence shortly.
Despite the ongoing controversy with OpenAI, Johansson remains committed to her professional pursuits, preparing for a major role in one of Hollywood’s biggest franchises. Her resilience is testament to her A-list status and ability to balance private disputes with progressing her sterling career.
