Will humanoid robots become the new film stars or idols in the entertainment industry?

Humanoid Robots as Celebrities? It's More Complicated Than You Think

Hello! This question is incredibly interesting. It's no longer just a plot from a sci-fi movie, but a reality we might soon face. Let me share my thoughts, trying to keep it as easy to understand as possible.

My conclusion is: Yes, but perhaps not in the way we currently imagine "celebrities" or "idols."

They are more likely to become a new, disruptive form of entertainment, rather than simply replacing the human stars we follow today.

This issue needs to be looked at from two sides.

Why This Sounds Highly Plausible (Advantages)

Just imagine, if an entertainment company owned a robot celebrity, it would be the "perfect employee":

Perfect and Controllable Image: Robots can be designed in any way imaginable—golden ratios, unparalleled beauty, no problem. Plus, they won't age, gain weight, and will always maintain peak condition. Most crucially, they have no private life and won't generate negative headlines. Think of how much PR crisis management costs this would save for an agency!
Exceptional "Professional Capabilities": Need to learn to dance? Just input the program. Need to shoot dangerous action scenes? Adjust the physical parameters, no stunt doubles needed, saving on insurance. They can sing with perfect pitch and memorize lines instantly. They are truly all-around entertainers.
A Tireless "Workaholic": Working 24/7, 365 days a year, is no issue. No need for rest, no emotions, they can seamlessly transition between various engagements, shoots, and commercial activities, allowing their commercial value to be maximized.

From a business perspective, this is simply a highly profitable venture.

But the Harsh Reality: Several Unavoidable Hurdles (Challenges)

Despite the obvious advantages, there are several significant obstacles to a cold, inanimate machine becoming a truly beloved "idol":

The "Uncanny Valley" Effect: This is a psychological phenomenon. When something looks very human but isn't 100% human, we instinctively feel fear and revulsion. Current technology struggles to overcome this hurdle. A seemingly fake human acting in a romance film could be unsettling.
Lack of Emotion and Soul: This is the most crucial issue. Why do we like a celebrity? Often, it's because we see a reflection of "humanity" in them: their efforts, their vulnerabilities, their joys and sorrows, their genuine personalities inadvertently revealed in variety shows. Can a code-driven robot convey Tony Leung's gaze? Can it possess Stephen Chow's natural comedic timing? Performing arts, ultimately, are about the art of humanity. Robots can imitate, but it's difficult for them to possess a true soul that resonates with the audience.
A Bland "Persona" and "Story": The idol industry sells dreams and personas. Fans eagerly discuss the hardships idols faced during their trainee days and the struggles on their path to fame. These real-life experiences form a significant part of an idol's charm. What is the story of a robot that is "born perfect" or "at its peak right out of the factory"? No matter how perfect its "persona" is, it's just a setting, lacking the arc of growth and authenticity.

Possible Future Forms

Therefore, I believe humanoid robots will not completely replace human celebrities, but rather integrate into the entertainment industry in several specific forms:

First: The "Physical Embodiment" of Virtual Idols. Like Hatsune Miku or Luo Tianyi, where a human team (music producers, artists, voice actors) imbues them with "soul," the humanoid robot would merely be a "physical body" operating in the real world. It would handle handshakes, dancing, and appearing at press conferences, making virtual idols more tangible.
Second: Specialized Actors for Specific Roles. In sci-fi films, horror movies, or any film requiring non-human characters, they would be the best performers. Who could play a robot more convincingly than an actual robot?
Third: Enhanced Entertainment Experiences. For example, in theme parks, they could act as NPCs (non-player characters) interacting with visitors; or become exclusive companion robots for fans, capable of mimicking their idol's voice and chatting with them.

In summary,

we are unlikely to see a robot holding an Oscar statuette anytime soon, because it lacks the most crucial element for establishing emotional connection with an audience—humanity. However, they will undoubtedly make huge waves in the entertainment industry, creating entirely new avenues and experiences that we cannot yet imagine. They won't be the next Andy Lau, but they might be the first "Hatsune Miku robot," which is cool enough in itself.