Jack Osbourne has reassured fans that an AI-powered avatar of his late father Ozzy will be “so tasteful”.
The Black Sabbath legend’s widow Sharon Osbourne was joined by Jack for The Enduring Legacy of a Rock Icon and His Family: Ozzy Osbourne and The Osbournes talk at Licensing Expo recently, where she confirmed that “Digital Ozzy” is already deep in development through a partnership between Hyperreal and Proto Hologram.
Hyperreal – the company behind the patented Digital DNA process – is building Ozzy’s authenticated avatar, while Proto will power the holographic presence that allows the virtual Ozzy to appear, move and speak in real time.
Together, the companies say the technology will enable the avatar to hold conversations with fans and respond exactly as Ozzy would.
Sharon told the audience she was stunned by the creative potential of the project.
She said: “The things that you can do with that are just endless.”
Not everyone is convinced, but Jack insists people are going to be amazed by how lifelike it is.
Responding to the backlash on his YouTube channel, he said: “Here’s the thing, it’s gonna be so tasteful what we’re doing. It’s not gonna be f****** lame.
“It’s really complex what we’re doing. This isn’t just like hooking up an image of my dad to ChatGPT. This is some high-level technology that we’re gonna be working with, and it’s gonna feel very real, and it’s kind of wild how it will be utilised.”
He also revealed he discussed the idea with his father before his death last July.
Jack insisted: “It’s really cool, and it’s something that I think my dad would be into.
“We actually talked about it before he passed, about doing something like this. So, yeah. I know he would be into this.”
Fans won’t have long to wait. Digital Ozzy is set to appear in Proto Luma units in both the UK and US beginning late summer, marking the first phase of what could become a major new chapter in the Osbourne legacy.
Hyperreal CEO Remington Scott emphasised that the avatar was created with full approval and care from the family.
He said: “Every element of this avatar was built exclusively from authenticated, approved source material: curated, consented, and controlled by the people who love him most.
“This is a living performance, not a rendering; and it draws from nothing that wasn’t given willingly. We have the enthusiastic participation of Ozzy’s family, and that changes everything about what this can be.”
Proto Hologram founder David Nussbaum added: “It’s an honour to be trusted to bring one of true gods of rock back to the world to continue to connect with fans – thank you Sharon and Jack!
“We wouldn’t do it if we didn’t know both of our company’s technologies will create an experience that truly extends Ozzy’s presence, his heart and soul, into the future.”