Meta Engages Hollywood Stars for AI Assistant Voices

Meta is negotiating with Hollywood actors and influencers to use their voices in its MetaAI digital assistant. Discussions include celebrities like Awkwafina, Judi Dench, and Keegan-Michael Key. The social media giant may pay millions if deals are reached, as it continues to invest heavily in AI infrastructure.

Meta is in discussions with actors such as Awkwafina and Judi Dench, as well as influencers, for the right to use their voices in its MetaAI digital assistant product, the New York Times reported on Friday.

The social media giant is also negotiating with comedian Keegan-Michael Key, among other celebrities, with Hollywood's top talent agencies involved in the talks, sources told the newspaper. While specifics on who may sign on remain unclear, Meta could pay millions of dollars to the actors if agreements are finalized.

Meta did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. On Wednesday, Meta indicated it would continue its substantial investment in AI infrastructure, joining many tech counterparts in spending billions on data centers to leverage the surge in generative artificial intelligence.

(With inputs from agencies.)