Inside LA Comic Con’s AI-Powered Stan Lee Hologram
▼ Summary
– An AI-powered hologram of Stan Lee will be available for paid interactions at LA Comic Con, seven years after his death.
– The announcement of the AI Stan Lee hologram was met with widespread and extremely negative criticism from fans and media.
– Critics described the concept using terms like “demonic,” “disrespectful,” and a “trap for chumps.”
– Chris DeMoulin, CEO of the event’s parent company, defended the project and urged critics to experience it before judging.
– DeMoulin acknowledged the hologram is not perfect but aims to create a genuine fan experience through extensive testing and information.
A life-sized, AI-powered avatar of the legendary Stan Lee is set to make a special appearance at LA Comic Con this weekend, offering fans a unique opportunity to interact with a digital representation of the late Marvel Comics icon. For a fee ranging from $15 to $20, attendees can step into a private booth and engage in a conversation with the holographic figure, nearly seven years after Lee’s passing at the age of 95. This technological tribute aims to create a novel experience for devotees of his immense creative legacy.
The announcement, however, has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media and media outlets. Many observers have expressed profound discomfort with the concept. One writer described the idea in starkly negative terms, while a popular entertainment site strongly advised its readers against paying to see what it characterized as a digital ghost. On a widely-viewed internet forum, the sentiment was overwhelmingly negative, with comments labeling the project as disrespectful, in poor taste, and morally questionable. Support for the initiative was notably scarce in these public discussions.
In response to the backlash, Chris DeMoulin, the CEO of the event’s parent organization, has publicly defended the project. He encourages skeptics to experience the hologram firsthand before forming a final opinion. DeMoulin stated that he welcomes critique but believes it should be based on actual interaction with the technology rather than preconceived notions. He acknowledges that the avatar is an imperfect creation, suggesting that such a complex digital resurrection may never achieve flawlessness. The primary goal, he explains, is to input a sufficient amount of data and conduct rigorous testing to deliver an encounter that feels authentic and respectful to the fans who choose to participate.
(Source: Ars Technica)