Horror Legend Peter Cushing Getting AI Recreation For Documentary About Iconic Monster Movie Studio

Horror icon Peter Cushing will receive an AI recreation to host a documentary looking back on the legacy of Hammer Film Productions. Though he was best known for playing Imperial leader Grand Moff Tarkin in Star Wars: A New Hope, famed Victorian detective Sherlock Holmes, and eccentric inventor Dr. Who in Dr. Who and the Daleks, Cushing's career saw him take on numerous roles in Hammer Films' terrifying tales. Cushing's career with Hammer saw him play Van Helsing, Victor Frankenstein, and John Banning in 1959's The Mummy.

Deadline reveals that Cushing will be brought to life through AI technology for Sky's Hammer: Heroes, Legends, and Monsters, which will air on October 31 on the UK television channel. Narrated by Game of Thrones' Charles Dance, the program will explore Hammer's history and growth to mark its 90th birthday, with John Carpenter, Tim Burton, and Joe Dante all reported to be involved.

It is currently unknown what Cushing's digital copy will do in the program, with its role being described as a "special homage" to the actor, who passed away in 1994. Deep Fusion Films states that they had received the necessary permissions from the Cushing estate to make the decision, with boss Ben Field claiming the development was necessary for an authentic exploration. He said:

As a figure central to Hammer’s success, Cushing’s presence is crucial to telling the story authentically. His work, particularly alongside Christopher Lee, was instrumental in shaping the brand and legacy of Hammer Films. Including him allows the project to honor the spirit and impact he had on the studio and its fans, creating a connection between the past and this new exploration.

This is the second project from Deep Fusion to bring a beloved British icon to life. The company is currently attempting to develop a podcast hosted by an AI duplicate of late television host Michael Parkinson, where it would interview guests.

What Hammer: Heroes, Legends, And Monsters' AI Duplicate Means

Cushing Has Been The Subject Of Controversial Digital Doppelgängers Before​​

The reveal of Cushing's digital documentary host is sure to spark discussion, as the actor has been a key subject of debates around the use of digital duplicates since 2016. For the spin-off Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, a digital recreation of Cushing as Tarkin was used, with the actor's likeness being applied to a performance provided by Guy Henry through extensive VFX work by Industrial Light & Magic. While not employing generative AI, it still prompted discussions over its execution and whether it was a healthy step for the industry.

While discussions over Cushing's Rogue One appearance have continued due to recent legal conflicts between Disney and other filmmakers who hoped to use the actor's likeness, Deep Fusion's digital recreation is sure to take any debate further. Alongside the ecological costs and potential ramifications from acting professionals, AI has been critiqued by many as not being an acceptable alternative to true creativity. As such, while some may think that a digital Cushing recreation is a fitting tribute, others may feel it devalues any potential worth of the program by turning the horror icon into a gimmick using controversial means.

Our Take On Cushing's AI Documentary Host

Discussions About The Technology Will Overshadow The Celebrations

With a career that stretched beyond the confines of the horror genre, Cushing is a beloved actor with a strong legacy. However, with his recent digital resurrections, any discussion involving him has been overshadowed by the implications of his posthumous appearances.

Despite assurances of the Cushing estate's involvement and input, each project involving a digital recreation cannot avoid the scrutiny of those wary of attempts at incorporating AI into the arts, especially after the strike actions conducted by writers and actors in 2023. As such, what could have been a celebration of Cushing and Hammer's impact on a genre may be overshadowed by over-ambitious and ethically-dubious AI practices, no matter the intentions.

Source: Deadline