Hollywood executives be warned. Robert Downey Jr has sent a strong caveat to them about the unpermitted use of his likeness with artificial intelligence (AI). On a recent episode of the podcast On With Kara Swisher, the Iron Man star has made his intentions clear with regard to the matter.

Speaking about the technology's evolution in cinema, Downey Jr showed confidence in the integrity of Marvel Studios to deal with his legendary MCU character with due respect.

"I am not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul," he said.

Podcast host Kara Swisher hinted at the prospect of executives using his digital replica, and the actor replied, saying, "I intend to sue all future executives just on spec."

Downey Jr stars in the Broadway play McNeal, which deals with the dominance of corporate organisations in AI.

On the film front, Downey Jr. is set to play Doctor Doom in both Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.