AI is resurrecting dead celebrities, and not everyone is into it

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence is enabling new forms of digital resurrection and AI-powered media content, raising both creative opportunities and ethical questions about recreating real people’s likenesses and voices.

Recent developments: A groundbreaking AI podcast called “Virtually Parkinson” is set to feature an artificially generated version of beloved British TV host Michael Parkinson, with support from his family.

• The 8-part series has received backing from Parkinson’s son and estate, marking a significant milestone in AI-powered content creation
• Off Radio Krakow recently experimented with AI-generated radio hosts, though the initiative was ultimately discontinued following public criticism

Technology capabilities: Advanced AI systems are transforming entertainment production by enabling increasingly sophisticated digital recreations of real people.

• Google’s NotebookLM technology can generate entire AI-powered podcasts by analyzing existing articles and videos
• Character AI’s platform allows users to engage in conversations with AI versions of historical figures and celebrities
• De-aging technology powered by AI is being utilized in films, including Tom Hanks‘ upcoming movie “Here”

Industry perspectives: The entertainment sector shows mixed reactions to AI’s expanding role in content creation.

• Robert Downey Jr. has expressed opposition to the use of AI for posthumous recreations of celebrities
• Creative professionals are concerned about AI potentially displacing human jobs while acknowledging its potential to enable innovative content formats
• The technology is creating new opportunities for content creation while raising questions about authenticity and artistic integrity

Ethical considerations: The emergence of AI-generated content featuring real people’s likenesses raises complex questions about consent and audience acceptance.

• The recreation of deceased individuals through AI technology presents unique ethical challenges regarding personal legacy and dignity
• Questions persist about audience comfort levels with AI-generated content that mimics real people
• The involvement of family estates, as in the case of “Virtually Parkinson,” may help establish guidelines for responsible use of this technology

Future implications: As AI technology continues to evolve, the entertainment industry faces a delicate balance between innovation and preservation of human authenticity, potentially reshaping how we consume and interact with media content while necessitating new frameworks for managing digital rights and posthumous representations.