In alignment with the prevailing trend of expanding the influence of celebrities even posthumously, Marilyn Monroe has been revived as an AI-generated entity known as “Digital Marilyn,” capable of responding to inquiries in the iconic persona’s distinctive voice and mannerisms.
Soul Machines, the innovative tech company specializing in “AI-powered digital people,” unveiled this groundbreaking project in collaboration with Authentic Brands Group during the SXSW event in Austin, Texas. The Digital Marilyn, as described in a press release, engages with fans in real-time utilizing advanced natural language processing, deep learning, and GPT 3.5 technology.
Following Marilyn Monroe’s decision to bequeath a significant portion of her estate to her acting mentor Lee Strasberg, who passed away in 1982, the rights to the actress’s intellectual property were eventually acquired by Authentic Brands Group for an estimated sum ranging from \(20 to \)30 million.
By leveraging Soul Machines’ unique camera and microphone setup, Digital Marilyn possesses the capability to perceive user emotions, assess preferences, and customize her responses accordingly. The company highlights that Digital Marilyn’s sophisticated machine learning allows her to partake in organic, dynamic conversations, adjusting her interactions based on user inquiries and areas of interest in real-time. Soul Machines noted that the average duration of a conversation with one of their digital personas spans approximately 20 minutes.
Greg Cross, the CEO and co-founder of Soul Machines, emphasized the significance of Digital Marilyn in showcasing their Biological AI, which breathes life into an iconic personality through immersive dialogues and emotional acumen. He remarked, “It’s not merely about nostalgia; it offers a glimpse into the future of interactive experiences.”
The integration of AI technology became a pivotal issue during Hollywood’s lengthiest actor’s strike last year, where SAG-AFTRA contended with major film studios regarding the utilization of AI in actors’ performances, especially concerning AI-generated renditions of deceased actors and matters of consent.
Furthermore, AI has ventured into the domain of comedy, as evidenced by a recent AI-driven comedy special that endeavored to replicate the comedic brilliance of George Carlin, fifteen years after his passing. Subsequently, George Carlin’s estate initiated legal action against Dudesy, the company responsible for the special, for the unauthorized utilization of the comedian’s copyrighted material.
