Matthew McConaughey is taking steps to protect his iconic voice and image, filing trademarks for some of his most recognizable lines-including “alright, alright, alright,” first uttered in teh 1993 film Dazed and Confused-as concerns grow over the misuse of artificial intelligence.
Actor Secures Rights to Catchphrases Amid AI Concerns
The move aims to safeguard McConaughey’s likeness as AI technology advances.
- The actor has trademarked the phrase “alright, alright, alright” and other recognizable audio and video clips.
- The filings were made with the assistance of the law firm Yorn Levine.
- This proactive step seeks to establish clear ownership and consent protocols in an era of rapidly evolving AI.
- Actors and industry professionals are increasingly worried about the unauthorized use of their voices and images.
Matthew McConaughey is ensuring his signature phrases remain distinctly his own. The actor has filed for trademarks on several of his most famous lines, a move designed to protect his intellectual property in the face of increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence. According to The Wall Street Journal in an email, “We want to create a clear perimeter around ownership with consent and attribution the norm in an AI world.”
A Growing Concern in Hollywood
The entertainment industry has been closely watching the development of AI, with many expressing concerns about its potential impact on creative work. In July 2024, video game voice actors represented by the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) went on strike to advocate for regulations surrounding generative AI. The strike concluded in June 2025.
James Cameron, the director behind Avatar and Titanic, recently voiced his strong opposition to AI-generated performances, calling the idea of creating performances from scratch using AI “horrifying.”
