Digital Marilyn, an AI creation that brings the iconic actress Marilyn Monroe back to life, is set to make her debut at the South by Southwest tech conference in Austin, Texas. Created by Soul Machines, an AI firm known for developing realistic digital people, and in partnership with Authentic Brands Group, Digital Marilyn aims to provide an immersive and interactive experience with the Hollywood legend.
Clad in a black turtleneck sweater, her trademark blonde pixie hairstyle intact, Digital Marilyn will appear on a computer screen and engage in conversation with attendees. Equipped with artificial intelligence capabilities, she can express emotions, respond to compliments with a smile, and provide thoughtful reflections on her favorite movie roles. In a recent test, Digital Marilyn discussed her role as Sugar in the 1959 comedy “Some Like It Hot,” describing it as both challenging and rewarding.
Greg Cross, the CEO and co-founder of Soul Machines, expressed his deep connection to the digital recreation of Marilyn Monroe. “Every time I talk to Marilyn, it’s a special feeling,” he said. “You feel like you have a good relationship with an icon.” This statement highlights the potential emotional impact AI can have on individuals, blurring the line between technology and humanity.
The unveiling of Digital Marilyn not only showcases advancements in AI technology but also raises questions about the future of AI-driven brand ambassadors. Soul Machines hopes that this demonstration will spark discussions surrounding the use of Digital Marilyn as a brand representative. With Authentic Brands Group owning the rights to Monroe’s likeness and other deceased celebrities, this opens the door to a new era of digital endorsements.
As the world becomes increasingly digitized and AI capabilities continue to evolve, the concept of interacting with digital versions of deceased individuals becomes a reality. This raises ethical considerations and societal implications. How will this affect our perceptions of fame, idolization, and historical figures? What responsibility do creators and companies have in ensuring the integrity of these digital personas?
In the words of Greg Cross, “Every time I talk to Marilyn, it’s a special feeling.” Digital Marilyn offers a glimpse into a future where individuals can have conversations with digital replicas of historical icons. As AI advancements continue, we must grapple with the consequences and opportunities presented by this new frontier. The unveiling of Digital Marilyn at South by Southwest is sure to ignite further dialogue on the role of AI in shaping our future.
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