AI Voice Resurrection, IMAX Resurgence, and Under-the-Radar AI Tools

In the latest episode of Denoised, hosts Addy Ghani and Joey Daoud explore several significant developments in entertainment technology and media. The episode dives into the growing trend of AI voice resurrection for deceased actors, the surprising comeback of IMAX film projection following recent box office successes, and some powerful AI tools that deserve more attention. These stories highlight the evolving intersection of traditional cinema techniques with cutting-edge technology, showing how the industry continues to adapt to new possibilities while sometimes returning to its roots.

AI Voice Resurrection Raises Questions About Actor Rights

The episode begins with a discussion about how AI is being used to bring back the voices of actors who have passed away. Two notable examples emerged recently: Darth Vader in Fortnite and Orson Welles in a new storytelling app.

Epic Games recently introduced an AI chatbot version of Darth Vader in Fortnite, using the voice of James Earl Jones, who passed away in 2023. While Epic obtained permission from Jones' estate, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Epic Games. According to SAG-AFTRA, the issue wasn't the use of AI itself but that Epic, as a signatory company, didn't provide notice or negotiate terms for this implementation.

Addy and Joey note that this conflict represents the tension between new AI capabilities and existing industry frameworks:

• Epic Games did secure permission from James Earl Jones' estate

• SAG-AFTRA claims they should have been notified and involved in negotiations

• The hosts question whether the guild's response is more about establishing authority in the emerging AI landscape than protecting actors' rights

In another example, Orson Welles' voice has been resurrected nearly 40 years after his death for a location-based storytelling app called Storyrabbit. The hosts discuss Welles' significance in media history—from his infamous War of the Worlds broadcast to his groundbreaking film Citizen Kane.

Joey points out that AI voice replication isn't entirely new, referencing earlier efforts to recreate Roger Ebert's voice after he lost the ability to speak due to cancer. However, today's technology makes the process far more accessible and realistic.

Key takeaways:

• AI voice recreation presents new opportunities for preserving iconic performances

• The technology allows estates to continue monetizing an actor's likeness posthumously

• Industry frameworks and compensation models are still evolving to address these capabilities

• Questions remain about how to structure licensing deals for AI replications that could be used indefinitely

IMAX Experiences a Remarkable Resurgence

The podcast then shifts to discussing the renewed interest in IMAX film projection, particularly the revival of 70mm IMAX film projectors following the success of recent blockbusters.

According to IMAX CCO Giovanni Dolci, theaters had completely stopped requesting film projectors until recently. Now, driven by the success of films like Dune: Part Two, exhibitors are once again installing 70mm IMAX film projectors, with plans for one to five new installations over the next year.

The hosts examine how this trend fits into a broader pattern of audiences seeking premium experiences:

• Only 10 theaters worldwide were equipped to show Dune: Part Two in 70mm IMAX

• Digital IMAX is more widely available but doesn't provide the same premium experience as true 70mm IMAX

• The success of blockbuster films has changed the conversation around theatrical exhibition

Addy observes that this trend connects to a post-pandemic shift toward extraordinary in-person experiences: "We're more or less all working remotely. We do more and more of our transactions online... And we're filling that void with these bigger-than-life experiences that you have to go to a venue for."

The hosts also discuss several upcoming films being shot on film formats like VistaVision, including:

• Wuthering Heights (2026)

• Alejandro Iñárritu's upcoming project

• Greta Gerwig's Netflix adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, which will reportedly have a theatrical IMAX release

Joey notes that the Memorial Day weekend was potentially record-breaking at the box office, with films like Lilo & Stitch, Mission: Impossible, and Dune: Part Two performing well—further evidence of cinema's resilience.

Key takeaways:

• Premium theatrical experiences like IMAX are becoming essential differentiators for theaters

• Filmmakers are returning to film formats like 70mm IMAX and VistaVision

• Even streaming platforms like Netflix are accommodating theatrical releases for certain high-profile projects

• The box office is showing strong signs of recovery with multiple successful releases

Under-the-Radar AI Tools Expanding Capabilities

In the final segment, Addy and Joey highlight two AI tools that deserve more attention: Manus AI's new image generation capabilities and Google DeepMind's AlphaEvolve.

Man AI, previously known for its agentic AI capabilities that could browse the web to complete tasks, has now added image generation. What makes this implementation noteworthy is how it combines the agent's ability to search the web with image creation.

Joey explains that this integration allows for more contextually relevant images:

• If you ask it to style your room with IKEA furniture, it will actually browse IKEA's website to incorporate real products

• It can then not only show you the redesigned room but potentially link to where you can purchase the items

The hosts discuss how this represents a shift toward more powerful AI workflows:

• Traditional approaches require users to map out specific if-then workflows

• Truly agentic AI determines appropriate actions based on context

• The future likely involves dedicated agents for specific tasks combined with more general-purpose assistants

Addy also highlights AlphaEvolve, a new tool from Google DeepMind designed to tackle advanced algorithm development:

• Unlike other coding assistants, AlphaEvolve focuses specifically on high-level mathematical problems

• It's designed to help develop the next generation of neural networks with trillions of parameters

• The tool represents an effort to use AI to improve AI itself

Addy notes that companies are taking different approaches to AI agents: "Microsoft is betting on agentic deployments for companies as the future of its growth. And Google is betting on the consumer use of generative AI and AI agents for its growth."

Key takeaways:

• AI tools are increasingly combining multiple capabilities (like web browsing and image generation)

• The shift from predefined workflows to truly agentic behavior represents a significant advancement

• Major tech companies are pursuing different strategies for implementing AI agents

• Tools like AlphaEvolve show how AI is being used to advance AI development itself

Conclusion

This episode of Denoised highlights the fascinating interplay between nostalgia and innovation in media and entertainment. From the revival of 70mm IMAX projection to AI-powered voice resurrection, the industry continues to find new ways to create compelling experiences while sometimes returning to traditional techniques that offer unique value.

The hosts demonstrate how technological developments—whether in AI or film projection—ultimately serve the same goal: creating distinctive experiences that audiences can't get at home. As media consumption habits continue to evolve, both creators and exhibitors are adapting by focusing on what makes their offerings special.

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the hosts and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of their respective employers or organizations. This show is independently produced by VP Land without the use of any outside company resources, confidential information, or affiliations.