In a captivating new video shared by Milan Jaram Creations, fans of The Lord of the Rings series are treated to a nightmarish reimagination of one of its iconic characters, Gollum. Using advanced AI technology, the video showcases what Gollum would look like if he were portrayed by a range of different celebrities, and the results are nothing short of chilling.
The beloved novels by J.R.R. Tolkien were brought to life on the big screen by director Peter Jackson in his epic The Lord of the Rings trilogy, which first hit theaters in 2001. At the heart of the story is Frodo Baggins, played by Elijah Wood, and his heroic quest to destroy the sinister One Ring. Along his perilous journey, Frodo is accompanied by various companions, among them the enigmatic and treacherous Gollum, brought to life by the immensely talented Andy Serkis.
Gollum serves as Frodo's guide through the treacherous land of Mordor, although his true intentions remain shrouded in doubt. The character of Gollum stood out in the films, thanks to the revolutionary use of motion capture technology and the masterful performance of Andy Serkis. Gollum's lifelike portrayal owes much to the expertise of Weta Digital, as well as advancements in visual effects and motion capture technology at the time.
The AI video created by Milan Jaram Creations takes this already captivating character and transforms him into an array of celebrities, resulting in a truly disturbing and uncanny experience. Among the celebrities featured in the video are Snoop Dogg, Emma Stone, Bill Clinton, Nicolas Cage, Samuel L. Jackson, Kim Kardashian, Willem Dafoe, Donald Trump, Beyoncé, Elon Musk, Danny DeVito, Steve Buscemi, Keanu Reeves, Tom Hanks, and Dwayne Johnson. Each celebrity's likeness is utilized to create a unique and unsettling rendition of the goblin-like creature.
While Gollum's character in the films was a groundbreaking achievement, it is Andy Serkis' exceptional performance that truly brought him to life. Through the use of motion capture, Serkis was able to infuse Gollum with nuanced emotions and movements, making him more than just a CGI creation. The translation of Serkis' on-set performance onto the CGI character enabled Gollum to emote and interact with the other characters in a way that would have been impossible with traditional animation techniques.
Since Andy Serkis bid farewell to the role of Gollum at the conclusion of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, he has become a pioneering figure in the realm of motion capture. His performances as Caesar in the Planet of the Apes reboot trilogy and as Snoke in the Star Wars sequel trilogy have solidified his reputation as a motion capture legend. Serkis even delighted fans by reprising his role as Gollum in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, directed by Peter Jackson, in 2012.
For fans of The Lord of the Rings, the trilogy is currently available for streaming on both HBO Max and Prime Video, allowing audiences to revisit the enchanting and epic world created by J.R.R. Tolkien and brought to life by the visionary approach of Peter Jackson. Through the integral use of motion capture technology and the astounding performances of actors like Andy Serkis, the characters of The Lord of the Rings continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.
While the AI video showcasing Gollum's celebrity transformations may be a nightmarish and unsettling imagining, it serves as a testament to the enduring impact of this beloved series. The rich and immersive world of The Lord of the Rings, combined with groundbreaking technological advancements, has left an indelible mark on the history of cinema. And amid this staggering achievement, Andy Serkis' portrayal of Gollum remains a testament to his remarkable talent and contribution to the art of motion capture acting.
