In a recent article for paid subscribers, Erik Barmack discussed the implications of OpenAI’s Ghiblification moment as a wake-up call for Hollywood, the rise of AI fan fiction as entertainment’s next cash cow, and an AI animation app that should terrify studios. However, the focus of his latest piece shifts to Suzanne Somers, whose appeal spans generations, from American Graffiti to her sitcoms Three’s Company, She’s the Sheriff, and Step by Step, as well as her role as a celebrity entrepreneur hawking the ThighMaster. Despite her passing in 2023 at the age of 76, technology now allows for her digital resurrection through a synthetic twin created by Hollo and Realbotix, complete with her voice, personality, facial expressions, and a database of her performances.
Alan Hamel, Somers’ widower and business partner, expressed hopes for her AI counterpart to appear in future projects, potentially including new episodes of Three’s Company. While some may find this concept odd or revolting, it represents a significant advancement in posthumous commercial opportunities for celebrities. This AI not only serves as a memorial but also as an active participant in projects, potentially negotiating deals on behalf of the deceased personality.
Barmack explores the legal changes that have facilitated the emergence of AI versions of deceased celebrities, how celebrities can now control their legacy beyond death, and the implications for agents, managers, studios, and audiences. The article delves into how AI technology could impact reboots, original projects, and working actors, as well as the dynamics between Big Tech, fans, and the entertainment industry as a whole. Ultimately, the creation of an AI version of Suzanne Somers signifies a merging of legacy management and technological ambition, with far-reaching consequences for the future of entertainment.
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