Aging is one slippery slope. It doesn’t matter how much money you have, you can’t fight the inevitable process of aging. Many actors try and prolong their youthful looks with Botox and surgery. But ultimately they are fighting a losing battle. Father time is creeping up on all of us. Even those pesky actors who seem to have achieved something close to Dorian Gray, will see the signs someday. But Hollywood isn’t going to let a little thing like age get in the way of making great films. This is where digital de-aging comes in. Filmmakers are now using CGI to give actors a digital facelift. But who is using this sneaky technique? Why are they doing it? And, should they be doing it?
Where would we have seen digital de-aging?
This technique is used for a variety of reasons. Sometimes an actor might seem like the best fit for a role, but just be a bit older than the character. The recent resurgence in remakes and sequels has also seen a need for actors to stay youthful. If you want a character to look the same age years, even decades, after the original you are going to have to take drastic action. Like the majority of CGI this technique has been widely used in the genres of science fiction and fantasy. The technology itself seems somewhat of a fantasy, seemingly defying the aging process. Marvel have been keen advocates of this skill. They have used digital de-aging in Ant-Man, making Michael Douglas look like he did in the 80s. Marvel have since digitally de-aged Patrick Stewart, allowing him to reprise his role in the X-Men franchise.
Should Hollywood embraced digital de-aging?
Digital de-aging seems to becoming more and more commonplace within films, but is that a good thing? One of the greatest thing about actors is their ability to express emotion. Could this prized skill be getting lost in the facial CGI? Ridley Scott has previously achieved excellent results without the need for big budget CGI. His classic film Blade Runner saw the landscape of Hades created from miniature brass cut-outs set up on a table. But even Scott is now giving in to technology. After being asked if he would consider using digital de-aging, to give Sigourney Weaver the youthful looks required to reprise her role in the Alien franchise, he confirmed that ‘you could do that’. With Alien:Covenant due for release next month, and promise of more Alien installments to come, we’ll just have to wait.
Gaming
Sony is reportedly engaged in discussions to form a partnership for a potential bid on Paramount
There hasn’t been much buzz lately about any new acquisitions in the world of video game intellectual property. According to a recent report, Sony is currently engaged in discussions with a well-funded partner to potentially acquire the renowned film studio Paramount, along with all the exciting possibilities that come with such a merger.
As reported in the New York Times (thanks, ResetEra), Sony Picture Entertainment is reportedly in discussions with Apollo Global Management, an investment firm, as per two sources familiar with the matter. In the past, Apollo had made an offer to acquire Paramount for a minimum of $26 billion, but their bid was ultimately turned down.
The terms of the joint bid are currently under discussion, and there is a chance that the two parties may decide against making a formal offer. Unnamed sources have revealed that Paramount is currently in exclusive discussions with Skydance, preventing any official offer from being made at this time. Investor opposition to the recent deal that Skydance brought seems to have been significant.
Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management, an investment firm, have been in discussions about teaming up for a joint bid to acquire Paramount, people familiar with the situation said Thursday. https://t.co/qN86H4y7Va
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 18, 2024
The potential impact of such an acquisition is immense. First and foremost, it would introduce adaptations of Sonic and Halo into the expanding media empire of the PlayStation platform holder. Following the announcement, Paramount’s stock experienced a significant 11% surge in after-hours trading.
What are your thoughts on the news? Is there a possibility of Sony acquiring Paramount? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Geek Culture
Fallout Season 2 has been confirmed as the show continues to captivate audiences, making it one of Amazon’s most-watched series
Amazon has just made the exciting announcement that a second season of the highly acclaimed Fallout TV adaptation is in the works. Fans can look forward to another thrilling installment of the series, which will be exclusively available on the Amazon Prime streaming service. Confirmation has arrived regarding the second batch of episodes for the series, following the acquisition of $25 million in Californian tax credits.
In just four days after its release, Fallout has already captivated audiences, quickly becoming one of Amazon Prime’s most-watched TV shows of all time. It has garnered immense popularity, rivaling even the acclaimed season of The Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power.
Wouldn't want to keep you on the edge of your seat, now, would we?
See you back in the Wasteland for SEASON 2. pic.twitter.com/ULs6DEPHDW
— FALLOUT⚡️ (@falloutonprime) April 18, 2024
The Fallout TV show has caused a massive surge in sales for the newer games, resulting in a staggering 7,500% increase in purchases of Fallout 4 in Europe. Fallout 76, Fallout 3, and Fallout: New Vegas were also among the top 10 best-selling games across the continent last week. Next week, the highly anticipated PS5 version of Fallout 4 will be released, offering players an enhanced visual experience with new graphical modes. Additionally, players can look forward to exciting new content from the Creation Club.
Considering the potential for character development and narrative arcs, it would be intriguing to see where season two takes Lucy, Maximus, and The Ghoul. Without revealing any spoilers, it’s exciting to speculate on the possible directions their stories could go. We would greatly appreciate your feedback in the comments section.
Gaming
The cast of the Sonic the Hedgehog 3 film has added an exciting new addition with the inclusion of Shadow, who will be voiced by the talented Keanu Reeves
After a long wait, it appears that the search for a capable Hollywood actor to bring the brooding Shadow the Hedgehog to life has come to an end. Keanu Reeves, a renowned actor known for his iconic roles in film franchises such as The Matrix and John Wick, as well as his involvement in the highly anticipated game Cyberpunk 2077, has officially been cast for the role.
Speculation has been running wild lately, but The Hollywood Reporter has officially confirmed the casting, citing reliable sources in the know. News of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 being showcased at Cinemacon has quickly spread. Reeves is sure to bring his own special touch to the role, but it’s uncertain how well he will mesh with the mustachioed Dr. Robotnik, as Jim Carrey is set to reprise the character.
What are your thoughts on Keanu Reeves being cast as Shadow the Hedgehog in Sonic the Hedgehog 3? Please avoid sharing fan art in the comments section below.
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