Sir Ian McKellen: There’s enough original art around for us not to need AI

Sir Ian McKellen has said there is already enough original art around and no need for Artificial Intelligence (AI) to replace or extend it.

The 86-year old stars in upcoming film The Christophers about two siblings who hire a forger to complete their father’s unfinished work in a bid for a healthy inheritance after he dies.

Speaking about the ways AI has increasingly been used to create art or been used to continue artists’ work, including reviving actors on screen after they have died, Sir Ian said it is a tool he does not “pay much attention” to.

He told the Press Association: “I think there’s enough original art around for us not to need AI, frankly.

“We care for our art. In this country, we’ve got wonderful galleries, all free, not true in many countries.

“It’s one of the reasons that London is so popular for foreigners that they get into the National Gallery for nothing and the Tate Modern.”

Set in London, the upcoming Steven Soderbergh film also stars Baby Reindeer’s Jessica Gunning and Gavin & Stacey co-creator James Corden who play the siblings, while the forger is portrayed by actress Michaela Coel, best known for creating and starring in the hit sitcom Chewing Gum as well as the Emmy award-winning drama series I May Destroy You.

Sir Ian praised Coel’s “remarkable” and “suberb” acting in the film and praised her ability to listen.

He said: “One of the joys of being in our business is that age is sort of irrelevant, and when I was growing up as a kid, it was always fun to me talking to the older actors.

“Well, now I’m the old actor, and I’m allowed to mix with the youngsters like Michaela.

“She’s so talented in so many different directions. Her acting is superb in this film.

“And if you had to identify what it was that was special about her acting, I’d say her ability to listen.

“As you watch her listening, you can almost read what’s going on inside the face, the head, although it doesn’t move. It’s remarkable.”

Coel told PA it was a “beautiful experience” working with Sir Ian on the film and that “every day was joy”.

She added: “He is as glorious as you imagine, and I don’t want to cry cause that’s how I feel.

“He’s really, really, really lovely and intelligent and energetic. He had more energy than me most days.

“I literally was like, ‘how are you bouncing up and down the stairs?’

“But you can see he’s so fed by his work and he gives me gratitude for my job. I get to be in a room with him.”