Reanimated AI Greta Garbo stars again in a ball-bearing advert (www.theguardian.com)

Hollywood icon Greta Garbo, after decades of silence following her death, has been reanimated using AI for a new advertisement by the Swedish industrial company SKF. This groundbreaking use of AI technology not only showcases Garbo’s likeness but also prompts discussions around the ethical implications of "ghostploitation," a term used to describe the revival of deceased actors in modern media. Her relatives, managing her legacy, expressed fascination with the lifelike representation, noting the remarkable capture of her mannerisms and voice, crafted using AI models like China's Seedream and Google's Nano Banana Pro without infringing on copyright protections. The significance of this development lies in its potential impact on the film industry and the ongoing evolution of AI in creative fields. As big studios invest in AI startups and experiment with AI-enhanced filmmaking, Garbo’s case exemplifies a new frontier where historical figures can be brought back to engage with contemporary audiences. This could reshape casting and storytelling strategies, posing questions about the rights and desires of actors posthumously. The venture also preserves Garbo’s legacy while considering her illustrious career that bridged silent films and talkies, significantly influencing how AI could mimic human artistry in cinema.