AI Marilyn Monroe Marks Another Step Forward In Extending Celebrity Brand Value Beyond The Grave

Bruce Haring
·2 min read
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One of Marilyn Monroe’s most famous quotes was, “I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.”

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Now, there has to be an amendment to that line. More than 60 years after her death, there’s now a Digital Marilyn, created with artificial intelligence and capable of answering questions in her voice and style. The new version of Monroe debuted Friday at the South by Southwest tech conference in Austin, Texas.

The Digital Marilyn is a partnership between Soul Machines, which creates what it calls Biological AI-powered Digital People, and Authentic Brands Group, a company representing such icons as Monroe, Elvis Presley, Muhammad Ali, Shaquille O’Neal, David Beckham, and many other celebrities and companies.

The Digital Marilyn can interact in real-time using advanced natural language processing, deep learning, and Open AI’s ChatGPT 3.5. What that means is another step forward in extending the ability to monetize celebrities even after their death.

“This collaboration exemplifies the transformative power of AI in connecting brands and consumers,” said Greg Cross, CEO and co-founder of Soul Machines. “Digital Marilyn showcases our Biological AI, bringing an iconic personality to life through engaging dialogues and emotional intelligence. It’s more than nostalgia. It’s a glimpse into the future of immersive interactions.”

The Digital Marilyn mimics human traits in a realistic fashion, and can interact with users on a personal level. The partnership claims the average conversation length with a Soul Machines Digital Person is 20 minutes, with the character allegedly adapting to your questions and interests.

“Marilyn Monroe remains a timeless icon, inspiring generations with her talent, charisma, and enduring legacy,” said Dana Carpenter, EVP Entertainment at Authentic Brands Group. “We are thrilled to partner with Soul Machines, whose cutting-edge technology is the perfect match to bring Marilyn to life in the AI age. While Marilyn Monroe can never be replaced or duplicated, Digital Marilyn opens exciting possibilities for multiple generations of fans to engage with her in a whole new way, fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for her enduring spirit and the mark she left on the world.”

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