With the advanced technology that we have been introduced to over the last couple years, it shouldn’t come to a surprise that companies are using it to bring past celebrities “back from the dead”.

In a recent commercial aired in the U.K. by Mars Inc.-owned Galaxy Chocolate, CGI graphics were used to bring the once-famous actress Audrey Hepburn back to life. In the commercial, Hepburn is seen looking out of window on a broken bus in Italy, when she spots a handsome man in the vehicle next time them. She proceeds to get off the bus and join the man, while eating Galaxy chocolate as they drive on the coast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6C5wlrS0Yo

Despite Hepburn’s sons approving of the commercial, the final verdict of the advertisement is still uncertain to many viewers; some see it as a sweet tribute while others a creepy type of “grave robbery”.

Although this isn’t the first time that dead stars have been used for commercials, the method of digitally constructing her face to be super-imposed on a another woman’s body is quite new. And technology isn’t slower down. Just last year a hologram of Tupac Shakur was created and played at the Coachella music festival alongside current rapper Snoop Dogg.

It is predicted that we will be seeing many more of these types of endorsements in the future. And why not? A digitally constructed person is more reliable than a human star, already has instant recognition in consumers eyes, and the endorsement will never be hurt  by the possibility of unforeseen scandals. (ex. Tiger Woods)

Like these or not, be prepared to see many more in the future. Who knows? Next time you’re watching T.V. you may just see your favorite actor from the 20’s make a guest appearance?

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/marketing/a-marketers-chocolate-charade-brings-back-audrey-hepburn/article9189654/