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

AI is bringing celebrities back from the dead, and it’s as creepy as it sounds

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