Another legendary figure is being brought back to life, this time with the help of artificial intelligence, following in the footsteps of the holographic renditions of Elvis Presley and Tupac Shakur.
Soul Machines, the company renowned for its AI-driven “digital people,” has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with Authentic Brands Group to introduce Digital Marilyn, a project leveraging Marilyn Monroe’s image to provide fans and brands with a distinctive and personalized interactive experience.
After acquiring the intellectual property rights to Monroe from Anna Strasberg, the wife of Monroe’s late acting mentor Lee Strasberg, Authentic Brands Group took ownership in 2011. Monroe bequeathed the majority of her estate to Lee in her will.
Digital Marilyn, powered by advanced technologies such as natural language processing, deep learning, and GPT 3.5, is designed to engage with fans in real-time, mimicking Marilyn’s voice, mannerisms, and sharing anecdotes from her life while delivering customized greetings.
Greg Cross, the CEO and co-founder of Soul Machines, emphasized the profound impact of AI in forging connections between brands and consumers. He highlighted how “Digital Marilyn” breathes life into their autonomous AI platform, reviving an iconic personality and offering a glimpse into a future where interactive experiences transcend mere memories.
The unveiling of Digital Marilyn took place at SXSW in Austin, Texas, marking a significant moment for the project.
Dana Carpenter, the executive vice president of entertainment at Authentic Brands Group, underscored Marilyn Monroe’s enduring influence and the excitement surrounding the partnership with Soul Machines. The cutting-edge technology provided by Soul Machines is seen as a perfect match to bring Marilyn into the digital realm, creating new avenues for fans of all ages to engage with her, fostering a deeper connection with her legacy.
Soul Machines, established by Cross and Mark Sagar in 2016, has previously developed Digital Celebrities like Carmelo Anthony, Jack Nicklaus, Mark Tuan, and Francis Ngannou.
While the announcement garnered attention, it also faced criticism from various social media users.
The entertainment industry’s ongoing debate on the impact of AI was reignited during recent actors’ and writers’ strikes. OpenAI’s Sora, a technology unveiled by Sam Altman’s company, has raised concerns with its ability to generate high-quality videos of intricate scenes.
Tyler Perry, the renowned filmmaker, expressed his awe at the capabilities of AI technology and its implications for the industry. Despite recognizing its potential, he called for regulatory measures to safeguard the interests of industry professionals and ensure a sustainable future.
As concerns loom over the evolving landscape of entertainment, Perry emphasized the need for protective regulations to navigate the changing dynamics.
The Hollywood Reporter reached out for comment, but Authentic Brands Group has yet to respond.
