More than six decades after her passing, a lifelike AI-generated rendition of Marilyn Monroe, dubbed “Digital Marilyn,” made her debut at the South by Southwest (SXSW) tech conference in Austin, Texas. This innovative project, a collaboration between Soul Machines and Authentic Brands Group, leverages advanced technology to recreate Monroe’s persona. Powered by sophisticated natural language processing, deep learning, and GPT-3, Digital Marilyn engages with fans in real-time, delivering fluid dialogue tailored to their questions and interests.
Equipped with Soul Machines‘ cutting-edge camera and microphone technology, Digital Marilyn reads user emotions, discerns preferences, and customizes responses accordingly. Demonstrating her capabilities, Digital Marilyn reminisced about her iconic role as Sugar in the 1959 comedy “Some Like It Hot” and recommended other comedic classics like “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.” Evoking emotions such as smiling in response to compliments and pausing thoughtfully before answering queries, Digital Marilyn offers a remarkably immersive experience.
Soul Machines CEO Greg Cross lauded the project as a showcase of their “Biological AI” technology, offering a glimpse into the future of interactive engagements. Dana Carpenter, EVP of Authentic Brands Group, emphasized that while Monroe’s legacy is irreplaceable, Digital Marilyn presents novel opportunities for fans to connect with her persona. The debut of Digital Marilyn at SXSW signifies a significant advancement in using AI to extend the influence and appeal of celebrity brands beyond their lifetimes.
However, the integration of AI in entertainment has sparked controversy, exemplified by the recent strike by the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union over concerns regarding AI’s impact on actors’ performances and likenesses. As technology continues to push boundaries in the realm of entertainment, the ethical implications and boundaries of AI’s role in shaping the industry remain subjects of debate.