Nicolas Cage Refused AI Waiver for ‘Spider-Noir,’ Confirms ‘True Detective’ Season 5 Role

Cage spoke at a Spotlight panel at New York Comic Con, where he discussed the recent cancellation of the Marvel television series he starred in, “Spider-Noir.” On September 4, 2026, Amazon officially canceled the series after only one season.

The studio then asked him to sign a waiver giving broad latitude to use artificial intelligence tied to his performance and likeness, Cage said. Cage refused the request.

Cage told the audience, the event reports, “I’m not an AI-friendly actor.” He also called Amazon a “very AI-friendly” company, saying he will “probably not” work with the studio again, though he added, “that’s okay.”

The incident underscores mounting tension in Hollywood over generative AI and the safeguarding of actors’ digital likenesses. The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) secured baseline AI protections in its 2023 contract, but studios and projects still negotiate specific waivers for promotional content, background duplication, and post-production changes.

Turning to his next project, Cage used the NYCC platform to confirm an oft-rumored casting detail officially. He said he is set to star in season five of HBO’s “True Detective.”

Cage joked to the audience about how he was the first to announce it: “That’s okay that I’m the first to announce that, right?” before pointing out his agent was in the audience.

The acclaimed anthology series’ new season will feature Issa López returning as showrunner, following her success helming Season 4, “True Detective: Night Country.” While plot details and Cage’s character name are being kept under wraps, the casting is another huge TV gig for the Academy Award winner as he’s been leaning more toward prestige TV projects of late.

Cage’s public refusal to sign an AI waiver highlights a larger, ongoing conversation in the industry about the ethical boundaries of artificial intelligence in entertainment. Actors are asking more questions about the long-term impact of giving up rights to their digital likenesses as studios look to cut down on post-production and marketing costs with AI tools.

Cage’s move to HBO’s “True Detective” also reflects the growing trend of A-list movie stars moving to prestige television, where creative control and meatier character roles often eclipse what’s available in big studio films.

HBO has not yet announced an official production start date or premiere window for Season 5 of “True Detective.” In the coming months, the network will make formal announcements about the cast and plot synopses.

Amazon has not publicly responded to Cage’s comments on the AI waiver. The studio is also developing other Marvel TV shows, but talent reps are still reviewing its position on AI-related contract provisions.