'I am not an AI-friendly actor': Nicolas Cage refused AI waiver on Amazon's Spider-Noir

What happened

Speaking at a New York Comic Con panel, Nicolas Cage revealed he refused to sign an AI waiver for his performance in Amazon's Prime Video/MGM+ series 'Spider-Noir'. He said he likely will not work with Amazon again, calling it 'a very AI-friendly company' and saying 'I am not an AI-friendly actor... I'm not a member of their club.' He said he instead wants to work with younger, DIY directors skeptical of generative technology. The disclosure follows Prime Video's cancellation of 'Spider-Noir' after one eight-episode season, despite 11 Emmy nominations and reportedly 2.6 billion viewing minutes.

Why it may matter to you

This is a high-profile public creator-rights action aimed directly at a major studio's AI practices: a star performer refusing AI likeness/performance rights for a flagship series and publicly breaking with the studio over it. It signals that AI waiver terms in performer contracts are becoming a deal-breaker for some talent, which can shape studio practice beyond any single production.

What is not yet known

The exact terms of the AI waiver Cage refused, and Amazon's response or contractual position. Whether other performers on Amazon productions take similar public stances.